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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

New York man charged with hate crimes after synagogue assault caught on live stream

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • A New York City man, Larry Montes, has been charged with hate crimes for allegedly assaulting a woman and a security team member during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue.
  • The incident, captured on a live stream, occurred as security attempted to remove Montes from the synagogue.
  • City officials, including the NYPD commissioner and the mayor, condemned the attack, emphasizing the right to worship without fear.

A New York City man faces hate crime charges following an alleged assault during Shabbat services at Manhattan's Central Synagogue, an incident captured on a live stream.

Larry Montes, 46, was arrested Saturday evening after police say he disrupted services and assaulted individuals. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, security was attempting to escort Montes out of the synagogue when he allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman, damaged property, and spat at and head-butted a security team member. The woman sustained a minor lip laceration and an injury to her right forearm.

I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up. 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.

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD CommissionerExpressing her personal connection to the synagogue and condemning the incident.

Tisch, who has a personal connection to the synagogue, described the event as "deeply painful" and stated that a place of worship should never be a crime scene. She confirmed that an NYPD sergeant on site immediately took Montes into custody and that no additional suspects are being sought.

The live stream footage showed a man shouting as security guards tried to remove him. The NYPD's hate crime taskforce is investigating the incident.

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.

— Eric Adams, New York City MayorCondemning the attack and vowing to protect the Jewish community.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, asserting that "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence." He added that the city would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Jewish New Yorkers and stated there was "no known ongoing threat in or around the synagogue."

Governor Kathy Hochul echoed these sentiments, calling the allegations "appalling" and affirming the right of Jewish New Yorkers to worship freely and without fear. Central Synagogue has pledged to continue its weekly gatherings.

Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear.

— Kathy Hochul, New York GovernorResponding to the incident and affirming religious freedom.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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