NYPD, Mayor Give Update on 770 Ramming Attack
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and and NYS Attorney General Tish James provided an update on the investigation into a ramming attack on Wednesday at 770 Eastern Parkway, Chabad Headquarters.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and New York State Attorney General Tish James provided an update Wednesday night on the investigation into a ramming attack at 770 Eastern Parkway, the world headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch in Crown Heights.
Speaking at the scene, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stressed that the details remain preliminary.
According to Commissioner Tisch, the incident occurred at approximately 8:46 p.m.
“Officers from the 71 precinct assigned to a detail in front of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway heard a commotion in the building’s main entrance. When they responded, they observed a vehicle strike the the rear door, reverse, and strike the rear door again.”
She said officers immediately took action. “Officers immediately ordered the driver out of the car and they placed him under arrest. The bomb squad has responded to the scene and conducted a full sweep of the vehicle. The car has been cleared and no explosive devices were found.”
Commissioner Tisch confirmed that no one was hurt. “There are no reported injuries at this time. This incident is currently being investigated as a hate crime by the NYPD’s hate crimes task force,” she said, adding that police presence has been increased citywide. “Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD has significantly increased security around houses of worship throughout all five boroughs. You will see an enhanced uniform presence, specialized patrols, counterterrorism resources, and bomb squad deployments where appropriate.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed relief that there were no injuries and underscored the seriousness of the attack.
“I am relieved that no one was injured in this horrifying incident. This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning in the history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world,” he said.
Referring to the significance of the day and the site, the mayor added, “And on today of all days, the Yartzeit of Rabbi Schneerson and the leadership of [the Rebbe] Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 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.”
Mayor Mamdani said he stands with the Jewish community. “I stand in solidarity with the Crown Heights Jewish community and I’m grateful to our first responders for taking swift action. I will keep New Yorkers updated as we learn more about this incident.”
Attorney General Tish James also addressed the press conference, noting her personal connection to the area. “I’m the former city council member who has represented this community in the past and I know this community very closely and deeply. They are part of my family,” she said.
She emphasized the timing and scale of the gathering at 770. “This was a holiday, a Chabad holiday, and there were thousands of individuals who came to 770 Eastern Parkway, the headquarters all over the world,” James said, adding that her office will be involved. “I will be working, my office will be working with NYPD to investigate this matter.”
When asked additional questions, officials said it was too early to provide further details. “We’re still very early in this investigation as to his mental state and I have not heard of any weapons that were recovered at this time,” one official said, reiterating that the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities said updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
VIDEO
Credit: Daniel Yeroshalmi/ch_response
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