Additional Coverage:
- Mayor Mamdani condemns antisemitism after synagogue assault (nbcnewyork.com)
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly condemned a recent surge in antisemitic incidents across New York City, following a violent attack during a Shabbat service at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue.
On Friday, a 63-year-old woman was injured when 46-year-old Larry Montes, from the South Bronx, allegedly stormed the synagogue and assaulted congregants as he was being escorted out. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime.
According to police, Montes confronted attendees before striking the woman in the head and causing damage to synagogue property. He also reportedly spat on and headbutted a synagogue security member. An off-duty NYPD sergeant, working a paid detail at the synagogue, promptly took Montes into custody.
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who grew up attending Central Synagogue, expressed her dismay on social media, stating, “a place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
The NYPD has documented 360 hate crimes since the beginning of August, with 205 targeting Jewish individuals.
Mayor Mamdani addressed the attack on Saturday, condemning antisemitism and hate crimes throughout the city’s five boroughs. The mayor has previously faced criticism from Jewish leaders regarding his stance on Israeli government policies and his calls to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Larry Montes now faces multiple charges, including four counts of assault as a hate crime, aggravated harassment, and criminal trespassing.
This report was originally covered by NBC New York and has been adapted here for digital publication.
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- Mayor Mamdani condemns antisemitism after synagogue assault (nbcnewyork.com)