Footage from tonight’s attack inside NYC’s Central Synagogue.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) August 15, 2026
Thankfully this lunatic has been arrested. pic.twitter.com/t9RfZZBg1T
A hateful lunatic barged into a Manhattan synagogue on Friday evening, assaulting a congregant and headbutting a security guard in a deranged antisemitic attack, police said.
Larry Montes, 46, allegedly launched the unhinged attack at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street during Shabbat services, according to police and sources.
He walked to the front of the synagogue around 6 p.m. and began acting disorderly, law enforcement sources said.
Security stepped in and began to escort the man outside — but not before he allegedly slugged a 63-year-old congregant in the face, the sources said.
Montes, of the Bronx, also allegedly headbutted and spat at a security guard and broke two religious candles valued at $20,000.
An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the house of worship took Montes into custody.
Harrowing livestream footage of the service shared to X shows Montes in a rage, shouting erratically at the front of the synagogue.
An object off camera is then heard shattering, causing the congregation to collectively cry out.
Montes is then seen being escorted out down the aisle as he screams and forcefully throws his fists into the air.
The alleged antisemite was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica 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 the same synagogue as a kid.
Tisch said she spoke to the synagogue’s rabbi following the incident and confirmed “those who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well.”
“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.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the assault “appalling” and is “grateful the suspect is in custody and that no one was seriously injured.”
“Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear,” Hochul wrote on X.
Similarly, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue.”
“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,” Hizzoner said.
“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.”
“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.”
8 comments:
A relative told reporters this fat ferd who in her words is not all there was interested in converting to Judaism. Tzahal could use him as a drill Sargeant to keep the Givati brigade in line
At least he chose the right "synagogue"
Why are you posting news from the going ons in the Central Church of NYC ??
Not even conservative. The are as reform as one can get.
Must've been bad if Mamzerdani comdemned it and didn't throw in a "but synagogues shouldn't do things like pray for a genocidal state"
9:52
According to your backward view, the "right synagogue" would be like Ponovitz where the Shul is divided in half between the "haters" and the "haters"
The right synagogue would be Bobov where two brothers - in -law hate each other's guts, or Satmar where two brothers cannot stand each other, or maybe Meah Shearim where they would tear down an Israeli Flag but hang a Palestinian flag and beat the crap out a Jewish soldier who just went to daven mincha after being on the front for two months!
12:29
Your comment is a reflection of unadulterated crap they thought in your yeshiva! That it is ok to murder or maim Jews who have yet to become frum!
This maniac just like Hitler ym"s did not distinguish between a Jew that has langeh katchkis with a Shtreimal and a secular Jew!
Unfortunately, it is Jews themselves that call out those differences, and that is why Moshiach will probably never come in your lifetime!
You have no guarantee what will happen to your children; at least these Jews are seeking a connection to the RBS"O though they may be misguided, and coming Friday Night to daven!
Your comment should appear in Der Shturmer!
You sick PoS.
They probably despise you as well. You act and write like a Nazi. Shtick drek.
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