Brooklyn Chabad Ramming: Police Pursue Hate Crime Charges
A recent incident in Brooklyn has prompted police to pursue hate crime charges against a New Jersey man. Dan Sohail, 36, allegedly rammed his car into the Chabad Lubavitch headquarters, an act that has raised serious concerns. Authorities have charged him with reckless endangerment and attempted assault.
Incident Overview
The episode occurred on Wednesday at approximately 8:45 p.m. at the Chabad headquarters located on Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn. Footage captured at the scene shows a gray Honda sedan striking multiple doors of the building, causing one door to splinter and detach from its frame.
- Time of Incident: 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday
- Location: Chabad Lubavitch headquarters, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
- Vehicle: Gray Honda sedan
- Charges: Reckless endangerment, attempted assault
Family Perspective
In a statement following the events, Sohail’s father, Sohail Majid Butt, expressed disbelief regarding his son’s alleged hatred towards Jewish individuals. He noted that Dan had previously indicated intentions to convert to Judaism.
Butt, a 63-year-old Muslim, emphasized that his household fostered religious tolerance. He stated, “We are all the three biggest religions on the table. Nothing wrong with that.” The father also shared his concerns about his son’s mental state, mentioning that he had previously contacted authorities for assistance due to Dan’s anger issues.
Prior Visits to Chabad
Rabbi Motti Seligson of Chabad revealed that Dan Sohail had visited the organization’s headquarters two weeks prior. During this visit, video evidence reportedly shows him participating joyfully with Lubavitcher men while wearing a yarmulke. The rabbi noted that this recent escalation of behavior was alarming.
Behavioral Concerns
Just before the incident, Dan reportedly exhibited concerning behavior at another Chabad center in New Jersey. Community members there called the police due to his agitated demeanor. Rabbi Eliyahu Teitz from Yeshiva Gedola of Carteret indicated that Sohail had attempted to enter the yeshiva but was turned away due to his inappropriate language.
- Location of prior visit: Chabad house in New Jersey
- Comments on behavior: Agitated and troubling
Community Reactions
Reactions from the Jewish community have been varied, with Rabbi Seligson affirming concern for community safety. Butt expressed his sadness over the incident but underscored that no one was injured.
As investigations continue, police are considering the implications of this event and its potential classification as a hate crime. The ongoing dialogue highlights the importance of community solidarity and understanding.
