Man charged with hate crimes after disrupting Manhattan synagogue

A man was arrested and charged with multiple hate crimes after disrupting Shabbat services and injuring a woman at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday night, August 14, 2026, according to the New York City Police Department. The incident at the prominent Midtown East synagogue sent congregants scrambling and prompted swift condemnation from city and state officials.

Police identified the suspect as Larry Montes, a 46-year-old resident of the Bronx. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Montes interrupted the worship service and, while being escorted out by synagogue security, struck a member of the congregation. He also damaged synagogue property and spat at and headbutted a member of the security team. An NYPD sergeant working a detail at the synagogue immediately stepped in and took Montes into custody.

A 63-year-old woman was injured in the attack, suffering a cut to her lip and injuries to her right forearm, an NYPD spokesperson said. She was evaluated at the scene and is expected to be okay. Witnesses described a scene of confusion and fear inside the sanctuary. One congregant heard a loud noise and initially thought a gun might be involved, while another noted...