A Bronx man faces federal hate crime charges following a violent incident at a synagogue in Midtown Manhattan. During a post-arrest interview recorded by investigators, Larry Montes, 46, admitted that his actions were “all a racial thing” and “all religious motivated,” as stated by federal prosecutors.
Montes has been charged with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury. According to the Justice Department, these charges may lead to a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
“F— the Jews … It’s racial,” Montes reportedly said in the interview, adding, “I will never affiliate with no filthy f——synagogues, either here or in f—— Israel.”
During a Jewish Sabbath service at the Central Synagogue, attended by 375 people, prosecutors allege that Montes disrupted the gathering. He shouted obscenities and physically attacked two people. He then damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents. When the head of security attempted to escort him out, Montes yelled, “F— you people” and continued to be aggressive.
Authorities report that Montes punched a female congregant with a closed fist and assaulted a security guard attempting to handcuff him. He allegedly directed a racial slur at the Black security guard, spit in his face, and headbutted him. Additionally, Montes threatened to return to the synagogue in the future.
Besides the federal charges, Montes also faces state charges related to this event. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that the woman and the security guard who were assaulted are recovering well.
Following the attack, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed shock and concern regarding the violence. “I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city,” he wrote. “Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.” Montes remains in custody.