A major investigation is underway in Crown Heights after a driver repeatedly rammed a car into the doors of the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The site, a global spiritual center for the Jewish community, was filled with visitors for a significant religious observance at the time of the incident.

Video footage shows a dark-colored Honda Accord with New Jersey license plates backing into the building’s doors multiple times, knocking one door off its hinges. Police officers already stationed for security quickly removed the driver and took him into custody. No explosives or weapons were found after a precautionary sweep by the NYPD bomb squad, and thankfully, no one was injured. The vehicle was towed from the scene by around 5:40 a.m. Thursday.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime. Extra security has been deployed around houses of worship across New York City out of caution.

City leaders expressed immediate concern. Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the act, stating, “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.”

Witnesses described the ramming as deliberate. “As soon as I saw him ramming the door, I realized this wasn’t an accident,” said Yechi Hanelech, a local resident. “It reminds us we have to be strong.”

The Crown Heights Shomrim community safety group reported on X that the driver had previously been arrested in New Jersey for attempting to enter a synagogue, though police have not yet confirmed this information. Investigators are still trying to determine the suspect’s motive and background.