Man charged with hate crimes after attacking worshippers at Manhattan synagogue

On Friday evening, August 14, 2026, Larry Montes, a 46-year-old resident of the Bronx, disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue, a prominent Reform Jewish congregation located on Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The incident occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. during the Friday night service, which was being livestreamed. Montes entered the sanctuary and began screaming and yelling, causing panic among congregants. As synagogue security personnel attempted to escort him out, he struck a 63-year-old woman, causing a cut to her lip and injuries to her right forearm. He also damaged synagogue property, spat at a 65-year-old security guard, and headbutted him. An NYPD sergeant who was working a paid detail at the synagogue immediately intervened and took Montes into custody. No one was seriously injured, and those hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well.

Montes was charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of assault as a hate crime, two counts of assault, criminal mischief as a hate crime, criminal mischief, destruction of religious service, criminal trespassing, two counts of aggravated harassment, and two counts of harassment. The NYPD confirmed that there were no known additional threats, but extra police resources were deployed to the synagogue as a precaution. The attack occurred amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in the United States, with the Anti-Defamation League reporting record-high numbers of such attacks in recent years. The incident drew strong condemnation from city and state officials. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has had a tense relationship with some Jewish community members due to his criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, called the attack "despicable" and said it had "no place in our city." He emphasized that every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who grew up attending Central Synagogue, expressed deep personal pain over the incident, stating that "a place of worship should never be a crime scene." Governor Kathy Hochul called the attack "appalling" and affirmed that Jewish New Yorkers have the right to worship openly and without fear. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer thanked the NYPD for their quick action and noted that antisemitism is real and increasing.

The attack also prompted reactions from international figures, including Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who condemned the incident as a chilling reminder that antisemitism is occurring in the heart of New York. Central Synagogue, in a statement on Facebook, thanked its security team and the NYPD for their response. At a Saturday morning service, Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel addressed the congregation, leading them in deep breaths to release fear, stress, and pain, and reassuring them that they were safe. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Jewish institutions in New York City, which is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Mayor Mamdani, who has been criticized by some Jewish leaders for his rhetoric, had recently met with rabbis who urged him to tone down his anti-Israel statements. The attack has intensified debates about the rise of antisemitism and the need for enhanced security at places of worship. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. The quick response by the NYPD and synagogue security prevented more serious injuries, but the emotional impact on the congregation and the broader Jewish community is significant. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by religious communities and the importance of vigilance and solidarity in the face of hate.