Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Synagogue Attack 2026

Federal hate crimes charges have been filed against Larry Montes for a violent attack at a New York City synagogue. The incident occurred during Shabbat services, leaving a woman and a security guard injured.

Details of the Synagogue Attack

According to Manhattan federal prosecutors, Larry Montes, who is already facing state-level hate crime charges, allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman as security was trying to remove him from Central Synagogue. He then spat at and head-butted a security team member, and damaged synagogue property. The woman suffered a cut on her lip and a forearm injury. A New York Police Department sergeant assigned to the synagogue intervened and arrested Montes immediately.

The attack was captured on the synagogue's livestream. The video shows Montes yelling and being restrained by security. The criminal complaint states that about nine minutes into the service, Montes stood up and shouted, "You know who the fuck I am!" He then went to the stage and struck two ceremonial silver candlesticks, causing them to fall and become damaged. When the head of security tried to remove him, Montes used profanity and made anti-Semitic and racial slurs.

Federal Hate Crime Charges Explained

Montes is charged federally with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury. These charges carry significant penalties. The federal government has jurisdiction because the attack occurred at a religious institution and involved religious and racial animus.

To understand the severity, here is a comparison of state and federal hate crime charges:

Key Takeaways

• Larry Montes faces federal hate crime charges for attacking a woman and security guard at Central Synagogue.
• The attack occurred during Shabbat services and was livestreamed.
• Montes allegedly made anti-Semitic and racial slurs during the incident.
• Federal charges include two counts of hate crimes and one count of damage to religious property.
• The victim suffered a cut lip and forearm injury; the security guard was head-butted.

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