NY man who struck woman at synagogue insulted Jews, 'identified as Jewish,' feds say

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 4:40 PM ET

Federal prosecutors have filed hate crime charges against a Bronx man who allegedly assaulted worshippers at a Manhattan synagogue during a Shabbat service. Larry Montes, 46, was charged Tuesday with two hate crime counts and one count of destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury, according to a Justice Department announcement . The attack occurred Aug. 14 at Central Synagogue, attended by approximately 375 people . Officials say Montes disrupted the service, knocked over ceremonial candlesticks, punched a 63-year-old congregant, and assaulted a Black security guard with a racial slur, a headbutt, and spit . He faces up to 20 years in prison on the top charge . The suspect, who allegedly said, "Fuck the Jews" and that his actions were racially and religiously motivated, also told investigators he "identified as Jewish" . His aunt said he had a "desire to belong to that religion" and was "mentally traumatized" . The attack, partly captured on livestream, sparked condemnation from Jewish leaders and New York officials .

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 17
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 17

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes systemic antisemitism and calls for stronger institutional protections. Center: Reporting focuses on official charges, court documents, and neutral factual presentation. Right: Coverage highlights suspect's Jewish identity claim and questions hate crime narrative nuance.