Bronx Man Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges Over NYC Synagogue Attack

District Court on two counts of hate crimes and one count of damage to religious property resulting in injury, stemming from the August 14 incident that disrupted Shabbat services.

Federal Indictment Details Manhattan Synagogue Assault

Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the confrontation began when Larry Montes stood up during the service, approached the front of the sanctuary, and yelled, “I am Hashem,” referencing God in Jewish tradition, as reported by ABC News. Investigators state Montes knocked over two candles and candle holders, shattering them on the floor.

As synagogue security personnel attempted to escort him out of the building, Montes struck a 63-year-old female congregant, causing a cut to her lip and a bruised arm. He then headbutted a security guard, spit at him, and uttered a racial slur, according to police accounts. A police sergeant working a paid security detail at Central Synagogue immediately intervened and took Montes into custody.

“Larry Montes’ targeted acts of violence on a congregant, security guard, and synagogue during a Shabbat service are deeply disturbing,” FBI New York Field Office Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle Jr. said in a public statement. “The FBI condemns any incident driven by bias or hate, and we commend the swift actions of the security personnel and first responders.”

Municipal Response and Local Security Adjustments

City and state leaders quickly condemned the attack, which occurred during a livestreamed service. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch detailed the swift apprehension of the suspect, while local officials emphasized the necessity of safe religious observances across the metropolis. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the assault as horrifying, stating on social media that every New Yorker must be able to practice their faith without fear of violence.

Senator Chuck Schumer also issued statements denouncing the bias-motivated disruption. In response to the breach, municipal law enforcement increased police presence around the facility. Shabbat services resumed the following Saturday under heightened security measures.

“We might want to be focusing on the beauty of our liturgy and the sanctity of Shabbat, and somehow the feeling of the imperfect and cruel world keeps flooding in,” Rabbi Rebecca Thau told congregants during Saturday services, as reported by CTV News.

Legal Proceedings and Institutional Protection

Prior to facing the federal indictment, Montes was arraigned on a complaint drafted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, acquiring state-level charges that included criminal mischief and attempted assault as hate crimes. He was subsequently held on $10,000 bail following that initial court appearance.

Federal prosecutors have not yet announced a date for the initial federal court arraignment, and the investigation remains active under the purview of the Southern District of New York.