FirstAlerts

Man Charged With Hate Crimes After Synagogue Attack in Midtown East

A Bronx man faces assault and criminal mischief charges as hate crimes following a Friday night Shabbat service attack, the NYPD says.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 15, 2026, 5:03 p.m. ETWritten Aug 15, 2026, 8:25 p.m. ET
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This case is not concluded. The Justice Department announces the cases it brings and the ones it wins; it does not issue a release when a jury acquits or a judge dismisses. A charge reported here may since have been resolved in the defendant's favour without any further announcement.

Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, has been with assault as a hate crime and criminal mischief as a hate crime in connection with an attack during a Shabbat service at Central Synagogue in Midtown East, FOX 5 NY reported on August 15, 2026. The NYPD says Montes burst into the service on Friday night and attacked a 63-year-old woman, cutting her lip and arm. Police say he then went after a security guard who moved in to stop him, spitting in his face and headbutting him. The NYPD is the investigating agency, according to FOX 5 NY. The case has not been decided. It stands at the charging stage only, with no resolution or outcome recorded in the available reporting. Charges are allegations, and Montes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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  1. Version 116 Aug 2026, 00:25current

    First published.

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