Suspect in violent disruption at NYC synagogue arraigned on hate crime charges

The man accused of storming Central Synagogue in New York City, shouting antisemitic and racial slurs, was arraigned in court in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday.

Larry Montes, 46, pleaded not guilty to hate crime charges in New York Supreme Court.

Police said Montes violently interrupted a Shabbat service in August.

Montes rushed toward the rabbi, claiming he was "God," vandalized property, called about 375 worshippers "fake Jews" and hit a 63-year-old woman in the face, according to prosecutors. He also headbutted and spit on a Black security guard who was trying to remove him, lawyers said.

Prosecutors said Montes admitted to the crime afterward and said it was religiously motivated. He allegedly said he had a strong animus toward Jewish and Black people, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Montes' attorney declined comment after court.  

Montes is facing a host of federal charges, including second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree attempted assault and third-degree assault, all as hate crimes.

"This type of conduct, as we allege, shouldn't happen anywhere, but definitely not in a house of faith," District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

The incident sent shockwaves through the Jewish community and interfaith leaders.

"Our synagogues should be sacred spaces where New Yorkers can worship safely, but Larry Montes violated that sanctity when he disrupted a service at Central Synagogue and assaulted a congregant, as outlined in the indictment," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

During the court appearance, prosecutors said Montes has a criminal history, including when he allegedly punched a CVS employee and stole items.

Editor's note 9/14/26: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Montes appeared in federal court. That has been corrected.