Suspect in violent disruption at NYC synagogue arraigned on federal hate crime charges, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/suspect-in-attack-at-nyc-synagogue-to-be-arraigned-on-federal-hate-crime-charges/ar-AA2bRVui?ocid=BingNewsVerp)
09-09-2026
The article reports on the arraignment of 46-year-old Larry Montes on federal hate crime charges following a violent disruption during a Shabbat service at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan.Key details from the report include:
- The Incident: Prosecutors state that Montes stormed into the synagogue during services, shouted antisemitic and racial slurs, and claimed he was “God.” He called the approximately 375 worshippers “fake Jews,” vandalized property, struck a 63-year-old woman in the face, and headbutted and spat on a Black security guard attempting to remove him.
- Motive and Admissions: Following his arrest, Montes allegedly admitted to investigators that the attack was religiously and racially motivated, expressing animus toward Jewish and Black people.
- Legal Charges: In addition to earlier state chargesincluding assault and aggravated harassment, to which he entered a plea of not guiltyMontes faces federal hate crime charges and charges involving damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury. If convicted on the federal charges, he could face decades in prison (up to 40 years).
- Community and Official Response: City officials and community leaders condemned the attack, reiterating that religious communities should not have to face fear while practicing their faith, which prompted interfaith rallies and increased calls for heightened security measures.