Attack on Chabad World HQ: Vehicle Repeatedly Rams into Iconic '770' Building in Brooklyn
Panic in Crown Heights as a driver crashes into the synagogue's entrance. Police sources reveal a bizarre motive: The suspect had been rejected for conversion and tried to 'force' his entry.
A wave of panic swept through the Crown Heights Jewish community on Wednesday night after a vehicle repeatedly rammed into the entrance of the Chabad World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway.
The incident, which occurred at 8:46 PM, left worshipers and passersby in shock as a 2012 Honda Accord with New Jersey license plates was seen reversing and then accelerating at full speed into the building’s historic wooden doors.
Footage circulating on social media captured the terrifying moments as the car smashed into the entrance, causing the doors to buckle inward amidst loud crashes and screams from bystanders.
"It Was Intentional"
"Call the police!" witnesses were heard shouting in video clips from the scene.
After several violent collisions, the driver exited the vehicle and approached a police officer already at the scene, bizarrely claiming that his car had "slipped." He was immediately taken into custody without resistance.
Yaacov Berman, a spokesperson for Chabad HQ, released a statement shortly after the attack: "A car breached the side doors of the Chabad Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway. Thank God, there are no injuries. Witnesses say the driver shouted for people to move as he drove in. It appears to be an intentional act."
The building was evacuated as a precaution while the NYPD Bomb Squad swept the vehicle. No explosives were found.
A Bizarre Motive Revealed
While initial fears pointed toward a terror attack, investigative sources have revealed a disturbing and unusual motive.
According to police sources, the driver had attempted to initiate a conversion process at a synagogue in New Jersey just one day prior but was rejected. Sources indicate he traveled to the Chabad headquarters with a similar goal. When he was unable to enter the building, he allegedly decided to force his way inside using his vehicle.
High-Level Response
The incident drew an immediate response from city leadership. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch arrived at the scene late Wednesday to receive direct updates and express solidarity with the community.
770 Eastern Parkway is one of the most significant sites in the Jewish world, serving as the spiritual and administrative center of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement since 1940.
While the physical damage to the historic structure is being assessed, community leaders expressed relief that no lives were lost in what could have been a mass casualty event. NYPD investigations into the suspect’s mental health and background are ongoing.