Lunatic punches NYC synagogue congregant, headbutts and spits at security guard in antisemitic attack: NYPD

A hateful lunatic barged into a Manhattan synagogue on Friday evening, assaulting a congregant and headbutting a security guard in a deranged antisemitic attack, police said.

Larry Montes, 46, allegedly launched the unhinged attack at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street during Shabbat services, according to police and sources.

He walked to the front of the synagogue around 6 p.m. and began acting disorderly, law enforcement sources said.

Security stepped in and began to escort the man outside — but not before he allegedly slugged a 63-year-old congregant in the face, the sources said.

Montes, of the Bronx, also allegedly headbutted and spat at a security guard and broke two religious candles valued at $20,000.

An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the house of worship took Montes into custody.

Harrowing livestream footage of the service shared to X shows Montes in a rage, shouting erratically at the front of the synagogue.

An object off camera is then heard shattering, causing the congregation to collectively cry out.

Montes is then seen being escorted out down the aisle as he screams and forcefully throws his fists into the air.

The alleged antisemite was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.

“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement.

“There are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue,” added Tisch, who attended the same synagogue as a kid.

Tisch said she spoke to the synagogue’s rabbi following the incident and confirmed “those who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well.”

“I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up,” the commissioner wrote.

“In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul called the assault “appalling” and is “grateful the suspect is in custody and that no one was seriously injured.”

“Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear,” Hochul wrote on X.

Similarly, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue.”

“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,” Hizzoner said. 

“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence. This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.”

Attorney General Letitia James said her “heart is with the Central Synagogue community this evening.”

“The assault during services at Central Synagogue today is appalling and unacceptable,” James said on X.

“No one should feel threatened in their place of worship.”

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