UPDATE 11:33PM: Car Crashes Into 770, Destroys Rear Door To The Main Shul
by CrownHeights.info
A driver of a four-door Honda Sedan attempted to break through the rear door of the main Shul at 770 Eastern Parkway. His attempt failed, but he managed to cause significant damage by breaking the doors and doorway.
According to the NYPD, there are no injuries reported and no structural damage to the building.
This story is breaking and will be updated as information becomes available.
Update 11:33pm: The NYPD has provided an update.
Update 11:22pm: Crown Heights Shomrim has released an update.
“Preliminary information indicates he was previously arrested in New Jersey after attempting to enter a Chabad synagogue. Authorities believe he was angered by that incident and subsequently targeted Chabad Headquarters, causing the damage. At this time, there are no known links to terrorism. The suspect is now in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”
Update 11:16pm: New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani is at 770 and has released the following statement:
I am at 770 Chabad World Headquarters in Crown Heights, where a man intentionally, and repeatedly, crashed his car into the building. I am relieved that no one was injured in this horrifying incident.
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.
I stand in solidarity with the Crown Heights Jewish community, and I am grateful to our first responders for taking swift action. I will keep New Yorkers updated as we learn more about the incident.
Update 10:26pm: Rabbi Doctor Dovid Fox of Chai Lifeline addresses tonight’s incident at 770, and gives practical advice on how to speak to your children regarding the incident.
Update 10:16pm: New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has arrived at 770 Eastern Parkway.
Update 9:52pm: Crown Heights Shomrim has just released the following statement:
URGENT UPDATE: A vehicle drove into the side doors of 770 Eastern Parkway, Chabad Headquarters. Baruch Hashem, there are no injuries. Witnesses report the driver yelled for people to move before driving in, and the incident appears intentional.
The Shul was evacuated as a precaution. Please stay away from the area while authorities ensure there are no additional threats.
Shomrim is assisting the NYPD with the ongoing investigation. The driver has been arrested.
Updates to follow.
Update 9:38pm: The NYPD has called the bomb squad to 770 as a precaution as they investigate the vehicle.
Update 9:37pm: 770 has been evacuated by the police until the matter has been investigated and cleared.
Update 9:30pm: NYPD ESU are presently on scene inside 770 investigating.
Update 9:12pm: Police have arrested the driver of the vehicle. No motive has yet been reported.
Update 9:10pm: Picture of the damage from inside 770.
Update 9:06pm: The incident appears to be intentional, with video showing the driver ramming the rear doors multiple times before exiting the vehicle.
Ephraim Daniel Botnick
He backed up and smashed the doors several times. You got this wrong!
Dovid
He said that the car slipped. Looks like he’s trying to back up. Only problem with that is that he did not have his brake lights on when the car flew down the hill and what was he doing there to begin with y.,
Bomb
They should check the car for bombs.
Josue
What’s the motive on this..
Crackpot
Appears intentional ???????
For real APPEARS???????