A Bronx man accused of attacking worshippers during Friday evening services at a Manhattan synagogue now faces federal charges. Larry Montes, 46, was charged Tuesday with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of damage to religious property resulting in injury, according to a federal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
Montes was arrested Friday following what police described as a random antisemitic attack at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. He had initially faced state-level criminal mischief and attempted assault hate crime charges.
According to police, Montes stood up during the service and approached the front of the synagogue, yelling that he was Hashem, a Jewish reference to God. He allegedly knocked over two candles and candle holders, causing them to break. While being escorted out by security, Montes allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman attending the service, cutting her lip and bruising her arm. He also allegedly headbutted a security guard and directed a racial slur at him.
Following his arrest, and after being advised of his Miranda rights, Montes told NYPD officers he felt disrespected at the service and stated that "it's all a racial thing" and it was "all religious motivated," according to the federal complaint.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office James Barnacle Jr. issued a statement condemning the incident. "Larry Montes' targeted acts of violence on a congregant, security guard, and synagogue during a Shabbat service are deeply disturbing," Barnacle said. "The FBI condemns any incident driven by bias or hate, and we commend the swift actions of the security personnel and first responders. Hate crimes have no place in New York, and we remain steadfast in protecting every community."
Montes is being held on $10,000 bail following a court appearance on a complaint drafted by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. It was not immediately clear when he would appear before a federal magistrate to face the federal charges.
