A raging intruder stormed into a Manhattan synagogue during Friday evening Shabbat services, allegedly punching a congregant and attacking a security guard in what police described as an antisemitic assault.
The disturbing outburst shattered the peace inside one of New York City’s prominent Jewish houses of worship.
Police identified the suspect as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx. Authorities said Montes entered Central Synagogue at Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street before walking toward the front of the sanctuary at approximately 6 p.m.
Law enforcement sources said Montes began behaving erratically and causing a disruption as worshippers gathered for services.
Security personnel quickly intervened and attempted to escort him from the building before the situation spiraled further out of control.
Before he was removed, Montes allegedly punched a 63 year old congregant in the face, according to sources.
Police said he then headbutted and spat at a security guard who had stepped forward to protect the congregation.
The destruction did not stop with the alleged physical attacks.
Montes also allegedly smashed two religious candles valued at $20,000, turning a sacred gathering into a chaotic crime scene as frightened worshippers watched.
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An NYPD sergeant assigned to a paid security detail at the synagogue took Montes into custody.
The immediate police presence likely prevented the ugly episode from becoming even more dangerous inside a crowded house of worship.
Livestream footage from the service captured the frightening scene as it unfolded.
Montes can be seen near the front of the synagogue, apparently consumed by rage and shouting wildly while congregants remain gathered in the sanctuary.
An object outside the camera’s view is then heard crashing and breaking, prompting a collective cry from the congregation.
Moments later, security personnel escort Montes down the aisle as he screams and forcefully thrusts his fists into the air.
Authorities charged Montes with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
Those charges reflect the alleged antisemitic nature of an attack carried out during Jewish religious services.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the incident shortly after the suspect was detained.
“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” Tisch said in a statement.
“There are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue,” added Tisch, who attended Central Synagogue during her childhood.
The commissioner also confirmed that the injured people received attention at the scene.
Tisch said “those who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well.”
Her personal connection to the congregation added another layer to an already painful attack on New Yorkers simply trying to practice their faith.
“I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up,” the commissioner wrote.
“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.”
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Gov. Kathy Hochul called the assault “appalling” and said she is “grateful the suspect is in custody and that no one was seriously injured.”
She also defended the basic right of Jewish residents to worship without intimidation or violence.
“Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear,” Hochul wrote on X.
That principle should hardly require explanation, yet another alleged antisemitic attack has forced public officials to repeat it.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue.”
He added, “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.”
“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence. This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.”
Attorney General Letitia James said her “heart is with the Central Synagogue community this evening.”
She joined other officials in condemning the assault as police continued handling the hate crime case against Montes.
“The assault during services at Central Synagogue today is appalling and unacceptable,” James said on X.
“No one should feel threatened in their place of worship.”
