Manhattan, New York — A Friday evening Shabbat service at Central Synagogue turned frightening when a man allegedly disrupted the gathering and attacked members of the congregation while the service was being livestreamed.
The incident happened shortly after 6 p.m. on August 14, when NYPD officers were called to the prominent Manhattan house of worship. Police identified the suspect as Larry Montes, 46, who allegedly began acting irate and disrupting the service.
As synagogue security personnel attempted to escort Montes from the building, authorities say the situation became violent.
63-Year-Old Congregant Allegedly Attacked
According to police, Montes allegedly struck a 63-year-old female congregant, leaving her with a small laceration and pain involving her lip and right forearm.
The attack reportedly unfolded as security was trying to remove Montes from the service.
Police said a 65-year-old member of the synagogue’s security team was also allegedly assaulted. Montes reportedly spat on and headbutted the security worker during the confrontation.
The suspect also allegedly damaged synagogue property, adding another element to an incident that unfolded during a religious service.
Authorities said nobody suffered life-threatening injuries, and the people who were hurt were doing well.
NYPD Sergeant Immediately Took Suspect Into Custody
An NYPD sergeant who was working a paid detail at the synagogue immediately intervened and took Montes into custody, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The fact that the incident occurred during a livestreamed service also meant portions of the disturbance were captured as the congregation gathered for worship.
Police subsequently filed numerous charges against Montes, including assault as a hate crime and criminal mischief as a hate crime, along with additional assault, harassment, aggravated harassment, criminal trespass and disruption-of-religious-service charges.
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials Condemn Attack at Place of Worship
The incident quickly drew condemnation from New York officials and public figures. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said there was no known ongoing threat in or around the synagogue following the incident.
Commissioner Tisch also spoke about her personal connection to Central Synagogue, saying she grew up attending the Manhattan house of worship and understood the importance the space holds for its congregation.
She described the incident as deeply painful and emphasized that a place of worship should never become a crime scene. New York Attorney General Letitia James also called the assault during services unacceptable and said people should never feel threatened while practicing their religion.
Governor Kathy Hochul similarly condemned the incident, emphasizing that Jewish New Yorkers have the right to worship openly and without fear.
Central Synagogue Vows to Keep Gathering
Despite the frightening disruption, Central Synagogue said the community would continue gathering.
In a statement released after the incident, the synagogue thanked its security team and the NYPD for their response and expressed its determination to continue practicing Judaism together.
Services resumed Saturday, August 15, underscoring the congregation’s effort to return to its regular routine after the attack.
The incident has nevertheless raised fresh concerns about security at houses of worship, particularly as congregants gather for religious services that are increasingly livestreamed.
For investigators, the focus now remains on determining the full circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the motivation behind the hate crime charges.
The NYPD has emphasized that there is no known ongoing threat connected to the incident, while security measures remain a priority at the synagogue.
What are your thoughts on this disturbing incident at a place of worship? Should security measures at synagogues and other religious centers be strengthened? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
