Foreign Relations

Federal Hate-Crime Charges Filed Over Central Synagogue Shabbat Attack in Manhattan

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of Central Synagogue on its midtown Manhattan corner: the Moorish-revival sanctuary of banded brownstone fills the centre of the frame, its twin towers capped by ribbed green-and-gold onion domes rising against a pale sky, a large round rose window set above the arched Lexington Avenue entrance and a long arcaded side wall running off to the right, glass and stone skyscrapers crowding in on both sides with traffic signals, street lamps and signposts sketch

The U.S. Justice Department filed federal hate-crime charges Tuesday against Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, over an August 14 attack on worshippers at Manhattan's Central Synagogue during Friday night Shabbat services. The complaint in the Southern District of New York charges two hate-crime counts and one count of damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury, carrying up to 40 years. Prosecutors say Montes shouted during a service attended by about 375 people, struck two ceremonial candlesticks, punched a woman congregant and headbutted a security guard. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said the charges serve notice that the department will intervene against antisemitic and racially motivated attacks.

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