A Bronx man accused of disrupting Shabbos services at a Manhattan synagogue, declaring himself to be “Hashem” and allegedly assaulting two people has been indicted on multiple hate crime charges.

Larry Montes, 46, allegedly entered Central Synagogue in Midtown shortly after 6 p.m. on August 14 and rushed toward the bimah, where prosecutors say he shouted that he was God. He allegedly knocked over two candles and their holders, causing more than $7,000 in damage.

“Hate crimes are a top priority for my office and we will continue to seek accountability.” – D.A. Bragg. Watch D.A. Bragg address the indictment of Larry Montes for allegedly attacking two people at Central Synagogue. pic.twitter.com/LE5D9N9iU2

— Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) September 9, 2026

According to prosecutors, Montes then proceeded through the sanctuary making antisemitic statements before allegedly punching a 63-year-old woman in the face. The woman was knocked to the ground.

Security personnel intervened and escorted Montes from the building. Prosecutors allege that he then directed a racist comment at one of the guards, spit in his face and headbutted him.

Montes later allegedly told police that the incident was a “racial thing.”

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has charged him with multiple offenses, including criminal mischief as a hate crime, attempted assault and assault as hate crimes, and criminal interference with religious worship. Federal hate crime charges have also been filed against him.

Video of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing congregants scrambling to get away as the confrontation unfolded. Montes pleaded not guilty at an earlier court appearance.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned the attack, saying houses of worship should be “safe havens, not scenes of violence and hate.”

The incident prompted widespread condemnation from New York officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Tisch has a personal connection to Central Synagogue, having grown up attending the congregation. She addressed the community the following week and reaffirmed the NYPD’s commitment to protecting Jewish institutions across New York City.