Bronx man charged with hate crimes after disruption at Central Synagogue
Shabbat service disrupted at NYC synagogue after suspect attacks 2
The NYPD arrested a man they say attacked two congregants during Shabbat services in Central Synagogue in Manhattan Friday night.
NEW YORK - A Bronx man has been charged with hate crimes after authorities said he disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan and assaulted a congregant and a member of the synagogue’s security team.
What we know:
The NYPD identified the man as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx.
Police said Montes entered Central Synagogue during Shabbat services Friday evening, struck a member of the congregation and damaged synagogue property.
As synagogue security escorted him from the building, police said Montes spat at and headbutted a security team member.
An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the synagogue took Montes into custody.
Charges filed
Dig deeper:
Montes is charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, along with other charges.
The charges are accusations. Montes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What officials said
What they're saying:
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said those hurt in the incident were evaluated at the scene and were doing well. She said there were no known additional threats and that additional NYPD resources were deployed to the synagogue.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the incident, saying New Yorkers must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.
The Source: This article was written using information from the New York Police Department and reporting from FOX 5 New York.