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Bronx man charged with hate crimes in synagogue attack
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Hate crime charges were filed against Larry Montes, 46, for disrupting Shabbat services at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue and assaulting two people during his removal.
- Montes struck a congregation member, damaged synagogue property, and head-butted a security team member while being escorted out, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
- A police sergeant working security at the synagogue arrested Montes immediately, and no serious injuries were reported.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Chuck Schumer condemned the attack, emphasizing the right to religious safety.
- Additional police security was implemented, and Shabbat services resumed, with Rabbi Rebecca Thau reflecting on the challenge of maintaining sanctity amid such disruptions.
