A 46-year-old man struck a woman and headbutted a security guard after disrupting Shabbat service at a Midtown synagogue Friday evening in what the NYPD is investigating as a hate crime, cops said.
The suspect was being escorted out of Central Synagogue on Lexington Ave. at E. 55th St. when he struck the 63-year-old woman around 6:10 p.m., according to law enforcement.
He then headbutted and spit on the 65-year-old guard and damaged synagogue property, including candle holders, before an NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the Jewish house of worship took him into custody, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The assault is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force. Charges remained pending Friday night.
“I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants,” Tisch said in a statement on X. “Central Synagogue is where I grew up. In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
Before the assaults, the man was heard shouting, “Nobody here is real!” and “Do you know who I am?” during the synagogue’s Shabbat service, cops said.
Mayor Mamdani said he was “horrified” to learn of the attack.
“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence,” Mamdani said. “This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.”
Governor Hochul called the incident “appalling” and said, “Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear.”