Driver Detained After Repeatedly Ramming Vehicle Into NYC Jewish Site, Hate Crime Probe Underway
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A driver was taken into custody late Wednesday after deliberately ramming a vehicle multiple times into the doors of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, authorities said. The incident, which caused damage to the Jewish site’s entrance, is being investigated as a potential hate crime by New York City police and federal officials.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the driver intentionally struck the building, though no injuries were reported. The vehicle was promptly inspected by the NYPD bomb squad, which found no explosives or hazardous materials. Witnesses reported the driver made contradictory statements, at one point telling bystanders the incident “slipped” and later telling officers it was an attempt to park.
Representatives from Chabad Lubavitch, including spokesperson Motti Seligson, stressed that while the doors sustained damage, the community was unharmed. The attack came amid heightened concerns over antisemitic incidents nationwide, underscoring the vulnerability of religious and cultural institutions.
In response to the attack, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it has opened a civil rights investigation. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon tweeted that she had directed criminal prosecutors within the Civil Rights Division to pursue a thorough inquiry into the violent act. This federal involvement signals the seriousness with which authorities are treating the assault on the Brooklyn site.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting all faith communities. The incident follows other recent antisemitic episodes in the city, including a stabbing attack on a rabbi earlier this month, which occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The NYPD continues to investigate the motives behind the attack, with Commissioner Tisch reiterating the department’s zero tolerance for hate crimes. The FBI, which often partners with local law enforcement on such cases, is expected to assist in the ongoing investigation. The FBI’s Hate Crimes Program provides resources and support to ensure swift justice in these matters.
This event has sparked renewed calls from community leaders and advocacy groups for enhanced security at religious sites and more robust measures to combat hate crimes. The New York State Hate Crimes Task Force has been active in coordinating responses to similar incidents, working closely with local agencies to monitor threats and provide assistance.
As the investigation unfolds, officials urge anyone with information to come forward. The attack on the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by minority communities and the ongoing need for vigilance and solidarity against hate-fueled violence.
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