New York City Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Manhattan Synagogue Attack
Larry Montes, a 46-year-old resident of the Bronx, New York, has been charged with federal hate crimes following an attack at a Manhattan synagogue. The incident occurred on August 14 during a Shabbat service attended by approximately 375 people. Montes allegedly disrupted the service, shouted, and physically struck a congregant. He also damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks. During his removal by security, Montes reportedly made antisemitic and racist remarks, including a racial slur directed at a Black security guard, whom he then spat on and headbutted. Montes is currently in state custody and will be transferred to Manhattan federal court to face these new federal charges. The charges include two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury. 
