At a campaign endorsement gathering in New York, Rep. Mike Lawler, R‑NY, publicly demanded that Attorney General Letitia James fulfill what he described as her core duty: prosecuting antisemitic hate crimes. Lawler, speaking alongside local law‑enforcement leaders, said James needed to “actually do her f—ing job” and focus on protecting New Yorkers rather than “playing politics.”
Recent synagogue attack prompts criticism
The remarks came days after a Bronx man entered a Manhattan synagogue during Shabbat services, assaulting a congregant and a security guard. The suspect, Larry Montes, 46, was arraigned on two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. His bail was set at $10,000 cash plus $30,000 in bonds.
James issued a statement condemning the assault as “appalling and unacceptable,” but Lawler said the response fell short. “Great,” he said, referencing James’s earlier statement, before urging the AG to pursue the maximum penalties and to stop releasing such offenders on cash‑less bail.
Rise in antisemitic incidents
New York Police Department officials reported that anti‑Jewish attacks accounted for more than half of all hate crimes in the city, marking an 8.5% increase in antisemitic incidents compared with the previous year. Lawler highlighted the trend, noting a rapid rise in attacks on places of worship and emphasizing the need for stronger law‑enforcement action.
Lawler also claimed that over 90% of antisemitic hate crimes go unprosecuted in the state, a figure that underscores his call for more aggressive legal action.
Political backdrop
Both Lawler and James are seeking re‑election this cycle. Lawler’s event was supported by several law‑enforcement groups, including the Police Conference of New York, the Port Authority PBA, Rockland County PBA, and the New York State Fraternal Order of Police. The endorsement underscores the Republican’s positioning on public safety and crime‑related issues as central to his campaign platform.
James, a prominent figure in ongoing legal battles involving former President Donald Trump, has faced criticism from conservative circles for what they perceive as a lenient approach to certain criminal cases. The Attorney General’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lawler’s statements.
Implications for New Yorkers
The exchange reflects broader tensions in New York politics over how to address rising hate‑crime rates, bail reform, and the role of the Attorney General’s office in prosecuting such offenses. Lawler’s demand for stricter prosecution aligns with a growing call from law‑enforcement groups for policies they say will better protect law‑abiding citizens.
As the 2026 election season intensifies, the debate over hate‑crime enforcement is likely to remain a focal point for voters concerned about community safety and the administration of justice in the state.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
