Man Charged with Damaging Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn

A federal complaint unsealed in Brooklyn has charged Dan Sohail with intentionally damaging religious property at the global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch in Crown Heights. Authorities confirmed that Sohail was taken into federal custody and is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky for arraignment.

The case centers on alleged damage to the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters located on Eastern Parkway, a site considered a sacred religious and cultural landmark for Jewish communities in New York and worldwide.

Federal Officials Condemn Attack on Religious Site

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that individuals in the United States must be able to practice their faith without fear of harm to their places of worship. She stated that the Department of Justice will pursue accountability in cases involving attacks on religious institutions.

U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Nocella for the Eastern District of New York described the alleged conduct as endangering community safety, stressing that federal prosecutors remain committed to protecting diverse communities and their religious gathering spaces.

According to James C. Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, the defendant allegedly rammed a vehicle into the synagogue entrance multiple times during a well-attended memorial service, potentially putting dozens of individuals at risk.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said the destruction of property at a sacred Jewish institution is unacceptable and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to safeguarding places of worship.

Details of the Alleged Incident

According to the complaint, on the evening of January 28, Sohail drove to the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters while an event marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s spiritual leader was underway. The gathering reportedly included dozens of attendees.

Authorities allege that Sohail exited his vehicle, removed protective barriers near a side entrance of the building, and gestured for congregants to move away before returning to his car. He then allegedly drove his vehicle into the building’s side entrance, reversed, and repeated the action four additional times. The impact reportedly dislodged the entrance door from its hinges.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalty

The complaint charges Sohail with intentionally damaging religious property. The charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, Sohail faces a maximum sentence of up to three years in federal prison.

The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Silverberg and Brachah Goykadosh leading the case.