Car Crashes into Chabad Lubavitch Headquarters in NYC, Investigated as Hate Crime

No injuries reported as police arrest driver and increase security at houses of worship across the city.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:15pm

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A vehicle crashed into the rear door of the New York City world headquarters of the Chabad Lubavitch movement on Wednesday night, with police launching a hate crime investigation. Officers arrested the driver after the car struck the door, reversed, and hit it again. No injuries were reported, but the incident has been condemned as an act of antisemitism by local officials.

Why it matters

The Chabad Lubavitch movement is a prominent Orthodox Jewish organization, and its headquarters in New York City is a significant symbol of Judaism worldwide. This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of Jewish communities in the city, especially in light of rising antisemitism in recent years.

The details

According to police, officers were stationed at the Chabad Lubavitch building when they heard a commotion and responded to find a vehicle striking the rear door. The driver then reversed and hit the door again before being arrested. The police bomb squad inspected the vehicle but did not find any weapons. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime, and the NYPD will be increasing security at houses of worship across the city as a precaution.

  • The incident occurred around 8:46 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Chabad Lubavitch

An Orthodox Jewish Hasidic organization whose world headquarters is located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York City. The building draws thousands of visitors each year, including international students and religious leaders.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner who provided details about the incident at a news conference.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who condemned the incident as an act of antisemitism.

Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey

A civil rights organization that expressed deep concern over the incident and thanked law enforcement for their response.

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What they’re saying

“Antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“This building is not only a synagogue, but also the worldwide Chabad.org Headquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the world.”

— Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey

What’s next

The police investigation into the incident is still in its early stages, and authorities have not yet released the name of the arrested driver. The NYPD's Hate Crimes Unit will continue to investigate the case, and police will maintain increased security at houses of worship across the city.

The takeaway

This attack on the headquarters of a prominent Jewish organization highlights the ongoing threat of antisemitism in New York City and the need for continued vigilance and action to protect Jewish communities. It underscores the importance of swift law enforcement response and increased security measures to safeguard places of worship and other cultural institutions.