The NYPD arrested a driver who allegedly rammed a car repeatedly into the doors of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters (770) in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, damaging several entryways but causing no injuries. The NYPD bomb squad inspected the vehicle and found no explosives. City and federal authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, and the U.S. Justice Department's civil rights division has opened a review. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the act "deeply alarming" and pledged ongoing updates.
Driver Detained After Repeatedly Ramming Vehicle Into 770 Chabad World Headquarters in NYC; No Injuries Reported
Police said there were no apparent injuries.(AP Newsroom)
A driver was taken into custody Wednesday night after police say the person deliberately and repeatedly drove a vehicle into the doors of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters (770) in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. Authorities say several entryways were damaged but there were no reported injuries.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the incident was "deeply alarming," and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the crash was being investigated as a hate crime.
What Happened
NYPD and Chabad Lubavitch spokesperson Motti Seligson confirmed that the driver struck the building multiple times. The NYPD bomb squad examined the vehicle and found no explosives. Witnesses said the driver told bystanders "it slipped" and later told officers he had been attempting to park.
The U.S. Justice Department also announced it opened a civil rights investigation into the incident.
Official Responses and Investigations
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the crash is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced on X that she has instructed civil rights prosecutors to open a federal investigation into the incident.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who visited the site, called the episode "deeply alarming" and said, "Antisemitism has no place in our city." He expressed relief that no one was injured and praised first responders for their swift action.
Next Steps
Authorities continue to investigate motive and circumstances. The NYPD is treating the case as an active criminal investigation while the U.S. Justice Department's civil rights division reviews the incident. Local leaders and community members have been notified and officials said they will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Note: This report is based on statements from law enforcement and Chabad representatives at the scene. Investigations by NYPD and federal civil rights prosecutors are ongoing.
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