Bronx man charged with hate crimes for attack at Central Synagogue in Manhattan during Shabbat services

(JNS) — A Bronx man faces federal hate crime charges after allegedly assaulting a Jewish congregant and a black security guard during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, the U.S. Justice Department announced on Thursday.

Larry Montes, 46, was charged with two hate crime counts and one count of damaging religious property resulting in bodily injury.

According to a federal complaint, Montes began shouting during an Aug. 14 Shabbat service attended by about 375 people and damaged two ceremonial candlesticks. When security personnel attempted to remove him, he allegedly punched a f...