Driver Crashes Into Chabad Headquarters in Brooklyn

No injuries reported as man repeatedly rams side entrance of global Orthodox Jewish movement's main building

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:47pm

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A motorist rammed his car at least four times into a side entrance of the global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch Orthodox Jewish movement in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, according to video of the incident. The driver was immediately arrested, and there were no reported injuries. The police said they were still investigating the incident and had no information on a motive or charges against the driver, whose name was not released.

Why it matters

The Chabad-Lubavitch movement is a major Orthodox Jewish organization with a global presence, and its headquarters in Brooklyn is a significant spiritual and community center. Any attack on a Jewish institution raises concerns about antisemitism and the safety of religious minorities.

The details

The episode unfolded around 8:45 p.m. at the Gothic revival structure at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights. Video shows a gray Honda sedan with a cargo carrier on the roof and New Jersey plates slamming into a set of wooden doors, splintering and breaking them off. The driver, a heavyset man with a beard wearing shorts, got out of the car and appeared agitated, telling a bystander 'It slipped.' Police officers handcuffed the man and led him toward a police vehicle.

  • The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Chabad-Lubavitch Orthodox Jewish Movement

A major Orthodox Jewish organization with a global presence, and its headquarters in Brooklyn is a significant spiritual and community center.

Motti Seligson

A spokesman for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who posted on X about the incident.

Yechi Hamelech

A 15-year-old who was inside the Chabad headquarters when the crash occurred.

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What they’re saying

“This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world. Any threat to a Jewish institution or place of worship must be taken seriously. Antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (X)

“And we go look and the police said, 'You got to get out,'”

— Yechi Hamelech, 15-year-old (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The police are still investigating the incident and have not released any information on charges or a possible motive for the driver.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of antisemitism and the need to protect Jewish institutions and places of worship. It underscores the importance of vigilance and a swift response from law enforcement and community leaders to address any acts of violence or intimidation against religious minorities.