Man Arrested After Disrupting Synagogue Services in New York City
Police arrested Larry Montes on Friday night. He is 46 years old and from the Bronx.
Police say he disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue. The synagogue is on Manhattan's Upper East Side in New York City.
Police say he struck two people during the disruption. The victims were a woman and a security team member.
Police say Montes also damaged synagogue property. He spat at and head-butted the security team member.
Montes became violent while security escorted him outside. An off-duty police sergeant working security took him into custody.
Police charged him with two counts of assault. He also faces one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
No one was seriously injured. The incident was shown live on a service livestream.
Synagogue leaders added more security and services continued the next day. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials condemned the incident.
Key Terms 4
- Shabbat services Weekly Jewish worship gatherings held from Friday evening to Saturday.
- hate crime A crime motivated by bias that often carries extra legal charges.
- Central Synagogue A well-known Jewish house of worship in Manhattan.
- Zohran Mamdani The mayor of New York City.