Attack on Synagogue in Central New York, Injuries Reported

An attack occurred at the Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan during Friday prayers. Larry Montes, 46, burst into the building, shouted, and caused panic. He injured a 63-year-old woman and a guard, and damaged light fixtures worth $20,000. Police filed charges. Mayor Mamdani expressed condolences, but Jewish leaders criticized him for insincerity.

In Manhattan, at the historic Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue, built in 1872, an attack occurred during Friday prayers. Larry Montes, a 46-year-old Bronx resident, burst into the synagogue, began shouting loudly, disrupted the service, and caused panic among worshippers. When security tried to remove him, Montes injured a 63-year-old woman (damage to lip and forearm), headbutted and spat on a guard. He also damaged two ceremonial lamps, with damage estimated at about $20,000. New York police charged him with assault and intentional destruction of property. By order of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, security measures around the synagogue were increased. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James condemned the attack and expressed support for the Jewish community. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was shocked and emphasized the right to safe worship. However, representatives of Jewish organizations called his words insincere, noting that the administration's anti-Israel rhetoric deepens divisions and contributes to rising anti-Semitic sentiment. The mayor's circle denies a link between political criticism and violence.