CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) — Police are learning more about the man accused of repeatedly ramming his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn. Authorities say the suspect is a 36yearold man from Carteret, New Jersey, who is currently being treated as an emotionally disturbed person.
The incident happened around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday on Eastern Parkway near Kingston Avenue. Video from the scene shows a Honda Accord crashing into the front of the building, backing up and slamming into it again. Police say officers who were already patrolling the area watched as the driver struck the building about four times.
Officers ordered the man out of the car and took him into custody at the scene. Police say he told officers the crash was caused by a mechanical problem with the vehicle. As a precaution, the NYPD Bomb Squad was called in and conducted a full sweep of the car, but investigators say no weapons or explosives were found.
In response to the incident, police increased patrols at the scene and at synagogues across the city. Jewish community leaders told officers the suspect had visited synagogues in both New York and New Jersey in recent months, asking questions about converting to Judaism.
City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, responded to the scene and said the incident will be investigated thoroughly.
“This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and history of the institution,” Mamdani 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) released a statement in response following the crash.
“We are deeply disturbed by reports of an incident that occurred tonight in Brooklyn. Just minutes ago, a car repeatedly rammed into 770 Eastern Parkway,” the organization said in the statement. “This building is not only a synagogue, but alsothe worldwide @ChabadHeadquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the world. @ADLis in touch with law enforcement and local partners on the ground. We are grateful to @NYPDNewsfor making a swift arrest and will update as we learn more.”
The incident happened during a Chabad holiday, when thousands of people were visiting the historic building. Police say it was fortunate that no one was injured.
So far, no charges have been filed. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation, but officials say it is still too early to determine the driver’s motive, mental state or whether the act was intentional.
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