Two Bochurim Arrested Tonight In 770 As Management Cracks Down
by CrownHeights.info
Two bochurim were arrested Tuesday evening inside the main shul of 770 as the management escalates its crackdown and enforcement in the long-running dispute surrounding order and authority at Lubavitch Headquarters.
According to individuals associated with the management of 770, the arrests came after restraining orders had allegedly been issued against the two bochurim after what is being described as “a prolonged pattern of disturbances and intimidation”.
Supporters of the management claim that the two bochurim, both reportedly graduates of a yeshiva in Rishon LeZion who were not accepted into the yeshiva at 770, repeatedly ignored warnings and continued entering the building. They alleged the pair participated in disruptive activities that included tearing down signs, shouting accusations of “moser,” involvement in altercations, and other incidents that contributed to tension inside the shul.
Tuesday evening, multiple NYPD officers arrived at 770 to enforce the restraining orders and prevent further disturbances. Videos circulating on social media showed the two being escorted from the building in handcuffs while people sang “Yechi” and screamed “moser”.
Supporters of the arrested bochurim sharply disputed that characterization, calling the arrests politically motivated and based on “false and fabricated accusations.”
In statements circulated Tuesday night, supporters argued that others allegedly involved in violent incidents at 770 — including individuals accused of assault and one individual accused of using pepper spray inside the shul — had not faced arrest or questioning, while the two arrested bochurim were being specifically targeted.
They further claimed that one of the arrested bochurim had recently attempted to lower tensions by publicly and privately calling for dialogue and even offering to participate in a דין תורה regarding complaints against him.
The arrests come amid years of tensions surrounding governance and conduct at 770. In recent years, community rabbonim and organizations have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement against violence and disorder inside the shul. The issue drew international attention following the January 2024 incident where bochurim attempted illegal construction beneath 770, which resulted in arrests, legal proceedings, and widespread scrutiny of unrest involving extremist groups.
One of the arrested individuals was previously the subject of a public announcement from the 770 management barring him from entering 770.
As of Tuesday night, it was unclear what charges, if any, the two bochurim would formally face. No official NYPD statement had yet been released.
