Hate Crime Investigation: Driver Rams Car into Chabad Headquarters in Brooklyn

Incident at Chabad Headquarters

• 🚗 A hate crime investigation is underway after a driver rammed a car into the Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn.
• 📍 The incident occurred at the Chabad Lubavitch headquarters located at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
• 🚨 The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Dan Sohole of Carteret, New Jersey, is facing charges including attempted assault, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and aggravated harassment.

Suspect's Prior Actions and Connections

• 📱 Cell phone video shows the suspect's black Honda sedan repeatedly ramming the building.
• 🤝 The suspect had previously visited the Chabad headquarters at 770 and had made several appearances at a New Jersey synagogue.
• 🗣️ Despite familiarity with the community, his actions are being investigated as hate crimes, with police noting he knew it was a synagogue.
• ❓ Sohole claimed his foot slipped, causing him to ram the building five times.

Community Response and Vigilance

• 🙏 A rabbi in South Brunswick, New Jersey, confirmed the suspect resembles a man caught on camera at their synagogue in November.
• 💬 The community's response has been to remain vigilant and fight back against darkness by spreading light and Jewish pride, rather than cowering.
• ⚠️ Local rabbis emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness of one's surroundings.

Increased Security Measures

• 👮 The NYPD states there are no credible threats to the Jewish population at this time.
• 🕌 Out of caution, an increased police presence is being ordered at all houses of worship in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.