A man accused of repeatedly driving his car into the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn in late January now faces federal charges for damaging religious property.
Dan Sohail, who was previously charged by the state with committing a hate crime at 770 Eastern Pkwy. in Crown Heights, appeared in Brooklyn federal court Monday afternoon, according to prosecutors.
On the evening of January 28, Sohail drove to the Chabad Headquarters, which was hosting an event that was attended by dozens of people, marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader, according to prosecutors. When Sohail arrived at the side entrance of the building, he exited his vehicle and moved barriers that were set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for various congregants to move away, Sohail returned to his vehicle and drove his car into the building’s side entrance. He then reversed his vehicle and accelerated into the entrance four additional times. The impact knocked the entrance door off its hinges.
“As alleged, the defendant’s conduct—driving his vehicle back and forth into an entrance of the synagogue five times— caused damage to a sacred religious
institution,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our office will not tolerate conduct that endangers the safety of that community or any of our diverse communities. We will continue to protect religious gathering spaces to ensure worshippers are free to safely congregate.”
If convicted of the charge, Sohail faces up to three years in prison, prosecutors said.
“Every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe city where they can practice their faith freely and without fear," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The Chabad-
Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn is a sacred place for many Jews in New York City and around the world, and the purposeful destruction of this property is
unacceptable."
