Lawler Demands James Prosecute Antisemitic Hate Crimes After 8.5% NYC Rise

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 18

Rep. Mike Lawler used a Monday campaign event to accuse New York Attorney General Letitia James of failing to prosecute antisemitic hate crimes, saying she should "do her job" after a recent synagogue attack.
Last week’s Manhattan synagogue assault sharpened his criticism: Larry Montes, 46, was arraigned Saturday on two assault-as-hate-crime counts and one criminal-mischief-as-hate-crime count, with bail set at $10,000 cash or $30,000 bond.
NYPD data cited in the report showed anti-Jewish incidents made up more than half of New York City hate crimes, with antisemitic cases up 8.5% from a year earlier.
James had already condemned the synagogue assault as "appalling and unacceptable," but Lawler said statements were not enough and urged prosecutions "to the fullest extent of the law."
The clash also lands in an election season, with both Lawler and James seeking re-election as the Republican congressman campaigns alongside multiple law-enforcement endorsements.