Troubled driver charged in NYC synagogue crash, mom pleads for protective custody

Dan Sohail, 36, faces hate crime charges after allegedly ramming his car into Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The desperate mother of a troubled New Jersey man accused of ramming his car into an iconic Brooklyn synagogue begged for her son to be placed in protective custody as he was sent to jail on a $500,000 bond. Dan Sohail, 36, was arraigned on hate crime charges after allegedly crashing his Honda into the entrance of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters five times, though no injuries were reported. Sohail's mother said he has suffered from mental illness for over a decade, and the judge granted her request for protective custody as well as a psychiatric examination for Sohail.

Why it matters

The attack on the Chabad Lubavitch synagogue, a prominent center of the Hasidic Jewish community, has been widely condemned as an act of antisemitism. However, some congregants viewed the suspect as more of a 'loopy religious seeker' who had previously attended events at the synagogue, raising questions about his motivations. The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health issues and public safety, as well as the challenges of addressing hate crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, Sohail crashed his Honda into the entrance of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, the global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, five times. One person ran inside the synagogue to escape the incident, though no injuries were reported. Sohail was arraigned on hate crime charges and a judge set his bail at $500,000, granting his mother's request for protective custody and a psychiatric evaluation.

  • On Wednesday evening, Sohail allegedly rammed his car into the synagogue.
  • On Friday, Sohail was arraigned on hate crime charges and sent to jail on $500,000 bond.
  • Sohail's next court date is scheduled for February 3.

The players

Dan Sohail

A 36-year-old New Jersey resident who is accused of ramming his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, a prominent synagogue, in an alleged hate crime attack.

Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters

The global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.

Judge Philip Tisne

The judge who presided over Sohail's arraignment and set his bail at $500,000, granting requests for protective custody and a psychiatric examination.

Gregory Marshall

The defense attorney representing Sohail, who relayed his mother's pleas for protective custody.

Yaacov Behrman

The spokesman for the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, who dismissed the idea that Sohail's actions were part of a conversion process.

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What they’re saying

“It's not just that you are charged with attempting to seriously injure people with an automobile, but you are charged with doing it as a hate crime on their perceived membership of a religious class.”

— Judge Philip Tisne

“Intentionally ramming a car into a synagogue filled with rabbinical students is antisemitic, period. The act speaks for itself. And last I checked, ramming your car into a synagogue isn't part of the conversion process.”

— Yaacov Behrman, Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters spokesman (X)

What’s next

The judge will decide on February 3 whether to allow Sohail to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing hate crimes, mental health issues, and public safety, as well as the need for greater understanding and support for those struggling with mental illness within religious communities.