Possible Hate Crime Investigated After Car Repeatedly Strikes Chabad world Headquarters in Brooklyn
A driver is in custody following an incident wednesday evening where a vehicle was deliberately driven into the Chabad World Headquarters in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, prompting an investigation by the New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task force.
A gray Honda, bearing New jersey license plates, repeatedly collided with the rear entrance of the building located at 770 Eastern Parkway around 8:45 p.m., according to police reports.officers stationed at a security detail in front of the building witnessed the event unfold, observing the vehicle strike the door, reverse, and then strike it again.
Law enforcement officials swiftly apprehended the driver, who has not yet been formally charged. However, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the incident is being treated as a potential hate crime, and is under investigation by the specialized task force.
The NYPD bomb squad was dispatched to the scene as a precautionary measure. They thoroughly examined the vehicle and confirmed that no explosive devices were present. Fortunately,no injuries were reported as an inevitable result of the incident.
Mayor zohran Mamdani addressed the situation Wednesday night, emphasizing the seriousness of the event. “This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and history of the institution,” he said. “Any threat to a Jewish institution must be taken seriously. Antisemitism has no place in our city. I stand in solidarity with the Crown Heights Jewish community.”
The Anti-Defamation League of New York / New Jersey (ADL NYNJ) also released a statement expressing concern. “We are deeply disturbed by reports of an incident that occured tonight in Brooklyn. Just minutes ago, a car repeatedly rammed into 770 Eastern Parkway,” the organization stated. “This building is not only a synagogue, but also the worldwide @ChabadHeadquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the world.” The ADL confirmed it is in contact with law enforcement and local partners, and will provide updates as more data becomes available. You can find their statement on X/Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ADLNYNJ.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, with authorities working to determine the driver’s motives. The incident has understandably raised concerns within the Crown Heights community and beyond, prompting calls for vigilance and a strong response to any acts of antisemitism.
Here’s a more substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
What Happened?
On Wednesday evening, a driver intentionally crashed a grey Honda with New Jersey license plates into the rear entrance of the chabad World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood. The vehicle repeatedly struck the building’s door, reversing and hitting it again.
Who Was involved?
The driver of the vehicle, currently in custody, is the primary individual involved. NYPD officers stationed at a security detail witnessed the incident and apprehended the suspect. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of New York/New jersey have all issued statements regarding the incident. The Chabad community is directly impacted.
Why Did It Happen?
The incident is being investigated as a potential hate crime. while the driver’s motives are still under investigation, authorities are treating the crash as a intentional act. The Chabad world Headquarters is a significant religious and cultural site, making it a potential target for antisemitic violence.
How Did It End?
The driver was taken into custody by NYPD officers instantly after the incident.The NYPD bomb squad searched the vehicle and confirmed no explosives were present. No injuries were reported.
