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Man in custody after disrupting Shabbat services, striking woman at Central Synagogue Saturday, August 15, 2026 2:28AM Stream New York's #1 news - AccuWeather - original content 24/7 NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- A man is in custody after disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Midtown East on Friday, according to police.
Sources say the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Police said a 46-year-old man was taken into custody after disrupting services at 642 Lexington Avenue.
As security was removing the man, he struck a 63-year-old woman, damaged synagogue property and spit at and headbutted a member of the security team, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
An NYPD sergeant working detail at the synagogue immediately stepped in and took the man into custody, Tisch said.
Tisch said there are no additional threats at this time.
"Central Synagogue is where I grew up. In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace," Tisch said.
Mayor Mamdani released a statement on social media saying in part, "I am horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue during services today. I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city. Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."
NY Attorney General Letitia James released a statement saying, "The assault during services at Central Synagogue today is appalling and unacceptable. No one should feel threatened in their place of worship. I am relieved that everyone is okay and recovering, and my heart is with the Central Synagogue community this evening."
Governor Kathy Hochul said what happened at Central Synagogue was 'appalling.'
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