OAN Staff Cory Hawkins
3:53 PM – Thursday, January 29, 2026
Police have arrested 36-year-old Dan Sohail of Carteret, New Jersey, after he repeatedly rammed his Honda Accord into the Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred at around 8:45 p.m. at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, while Jewish worshippers were gathered inside the renowned Jewish site for prayer. Video footage captured Sohail maneuvering on an icy driveway before reversing and striking the basement doors multiple times.
While New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that a motive has not yet been confirmed, the NYPD is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime. Concerns were heightened after authorities learned that Sohail had already previously trespassed at another Chabad house in New Jersey as well.
The suspect appears to have a background that links him to the Muslim community, but his recent actions were defined by a public and erratic obsession with Judaism, authorities say.
Following reports of the incident, conservative investigative journalist Laura Loomer addressed the situation in a post on X.
Despite the winter cold, Sohail — who was wearing denim shorts at the time — eventually exited the vehicle. He reportedly told officers “it slipped” and made comments regarding his attempt to park before being taken into custody.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez also later expressed his concerns on X, emphasizing that the situation “could have been much worse.”
“Tonight’s intentional attack on Chabad’s headquarters during a holy celebration is disturbing and unacceptable. This could have been much worse and I’m grateful that no one was hurt. My office is working closely with the NYPD to ensure justice is done and the community is safe.”
Tisch reported that no injuries occurred from the crash, and no weapons or explosives were found in the vehicle. She framed the incident as a potential hate crime and reported that police presence has been increased around houses of worship throughout the city.
While the attack specifically targeted a Jewish site, the NYPD’s standard protocol during a potential hate crime is to increase patrols at all religious institutions citywide to prevent “copycat” attacks or further escalation.
“This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and the history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who called the crash “intentional.”
“Antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable,” he told reporters Wednesday evening. “I stand in solidarity with the Crown Heights Jewish community, and I am grateful to our first responders for taking swift action.”
According to its website, Chabad is the world’s largest Orthodox Jewish organization, maintaining 3,500 institutions across 100 countries. Its world headquarters and synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway is a global landmark, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
The attack coincided with the 75th anniversary of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s ascension as leader of the Lubavitch movement. Chabad-Lubavitch is a major branch of Hasidic Judaism, founded in 18th-century Russia by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. It focuses on outreach, education, and strengthening Jewish identity worldwide through a philosophy of intellectual study combined with spiritual devotion.
Although he passed away in 1994, “the Rebbe” remains a revered figure worldwide.
The site also holds a complex place in history as the epicenter of the 1991 Crown Heights riots, which erupted after a child was tragically killed by a vehicle in Schneerson’s motorcade. The ensuing violence saw local Black residents clash with the Jewish community, resulting in the fatal stabbing of a Jewish rabbinical student.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
