Bronx man accused of attacking Shabbat worshippers admitted motive in recorded interview, feds say
A Bronx man charged with federal hate crimes for a violent disruption at a Midtown Manhattan synagogue explicitly admitted to investigators in a recorded interview that his actions were "all a racial thing" and "all religious motivated," according to federal prosecutors.
During the recorded post-arrest interview, Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, allegedly made several antisemitic and derogatory remarks including, "F--- the Jews ... It’s racial," and "I will never affiliate with no filthy f------synagogues, either here or in f------ Israel."
Montes, who was charged with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury, faces up to 30 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.
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Prosecutors claim Montes brazenly assaulted two people and shouted obscenities at parishioners during the Jewish Sabbath service at the Central Synagogue in Midtown, which was attended by 375 people.
During the Shabbat service, Montes stood up, began shouting and physically struck and damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents, authorities said. As the head of security attempted to remove him from the sanctuary, Montes screamed, "F--- you people" and "I don’t f--- with you people," according to prosecutors.
Montes then punched a female congregant with a closed fist and assaulted a security guard who was attempting to handcuff him, authorities said.
He allegedly directed a racial slur at the guard, who is Black, before spitting in his face and headbutting his left eye socket, prosecutors said. Montes also threatened to return to the synagogue at a later date.
In addition to the federal charges, he faces state charges related to the incident. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the woman and the security guard who were assaulted are doing well.
After the attack, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed shock over the violence.
"I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city," he wrote on X. "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."
Montes remains in custody.