Bronx Man Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges Over Synagogue Attack

Larry Montes, a 46-year-old Bronx man, has been charged with federal hate crimes following a violent disruption during Shabbat services at Manhattan's Central Synagogue on August 14, 2026. The U.S. Justice Department announced the charges on August 18, 2026, alleging the attack was motivated by antisemitic and racial bias.

According to a federal complaint, Montes was among approximately 375 people attending the Friday evening service when he stood up and began shouting. He then struck and damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents. As security personnel moved to remove him from the sanctuary, prosecutors allege Montes uttered profanities about the congregants and punched a female worshipper with a closed fist. While being handcuffed, he then directed a racial slur at a Black security guard, spat in the guard's face, and headbutted him near the left eye socket. Montes also allegedly threatened to return to the synagogue at a later time.

The federal charges include two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of damaging religious property resulting in bodily injury. Each hate crime count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, while the property...