MANHATTAN — Montes faces charges including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. Police records indicate that he had been arrested three times for robbery in 2019 and 2023 prior to this event.

The disturbance escalated when security staff moved to remove Montes from the sanctuary. "As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and head-butted a member of the security team," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Montes struck a 63-year-old congregant in the face during the escort. The victim sustained a small cut to her lip and injuries to her right forearm. Medical personnel evaluated those injured at the scene, and officials confirmed they are doing well.

In addition to the physical assaults, Montes damaged synagogue property, including breaking two religious candles valued at $20,000. An NYPD sergeant working a paid security detail at the synagogue took Montes into custody following the altercation. "I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured," Tisch said.

he noted a personal connection to the location of the incident. Central Synagogue is where I grew up, she said. "What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene."

Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the violence in statements regarding the safety of religious communities in New York. "This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe," Mamdani said.

Mamdani emphasized the right of residents to practice their faith without intimidation. "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence," he said.

Other elected officials issued statements condemning the actions at the synagogue. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the attack. Attorney General Letitia James condemned the attack. Senator Chuck Schumer condemned the attack.

The NYPD responded to the incident with increased protective measures. Additional police security was deployed to the synagogue. Officials stated that there are no known additional threats at this time.

Despite the disruption on Friday, August 14, 2026, the congregation resumed its regular schedule. Shabbat services continued at the synagogue on Saturday.

Timeline

Also on August 14, 2026, Police Commissioner he stated, "As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and head-butted a member of the security team." On the same date, Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, was arrested after disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday evening. Tisch also stated on August 14, 2026, "I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured." She further stated on that date, "What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene." Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on August 14, 2026, "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence." Mamdani also stated on August 14, 2026, "This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe."

What's New

Additional reporting confirms that a man named Montes disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday, August 14, 2026, and was arrested after assaulting congregants and security as a hate crime. It was further reported that Montes struck a 63-year-old congregant in the face while security was escorting him out of the synagogue. Records show Montes damaged synagogue property, including breaking two religious candles valued at $20,000.

Police Commissioner Tisch provided further context, stating, Central Synagogue is where I grew up. She also stated, "I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured." he added, "What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene." Mayor Zohran she stated, "This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe." The NYPD, led by Police Commissioner Tisch, responded to the incident and stated that there are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue.

Why It Matters

The arrest of Montes for disrupting religious services and assaulting individuals at Central Synagogue represents a direct violation of public safety protocols in a place of worship. The charges of assault and criminal mischief as hate crimes reflect the legal classification of the motive behind the violence. The deployment of additional NYPD resources to the synagogue indicates an ongoing operational response to secure the site against potential follow-up incidents.

Statements from Police Commissioner Tisch and Mayor Zohran Mamdani underscore the administrative commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers from violence. The condemnation of the attack by Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Chuck Schumer demonstrates a unified political response across local and federal levels. The continuation of Shabbat services on Saturday signals the congregation's intent to maintain normal operations despite the disruption.