A New Jersey man has been sentenced to six months and one week in federal prison after admitting he intentionally drove his vehicle into the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters in Brooklyn earlier this year.
Dan Sohail, 36, received the sentence Wednesday in federal court after pleading guilty to damaging religious property. The judge also ordered him to pay $20,000 in restitution for the damage caused during the January incident.
The crash occurred at the Chabad Lubavitch headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, a major Jewish religious center that includes a synagogue and administrative offices. Authorities said Sohail drove his vehicle into a side entrance of the building multiple times, damaging the doorway and the front of his car.
No one was injured in the incident. Before driving toward the building, Sohail reportedly warned pedestrians to move away from the area.
Federal prosecutors had requested a longer sentence, arguing that the attack occurred during a period of increased concern over antisemitic incidents and that a stronger punishment could serve as a deterrent against future attacks targeting Jewish communities and institutions.
Judge Eric N. Vitaliano said the case required careful consideration of Sohail’s personal circumstances and mental health history. After reviewing a psychiatric evaluation, the judge said Sohail’s psychological struggles played a significant role in his actions.
The court noted that while the incident initially raised fears of a hate-motivated attack, prosecutors ultimately charged Sohail with intentional damage to religious property rather than a hate crime offense.
Sohail’s defense attorney, Mia Eisner-Grynberg, argued that her client was experiencing serious mental health difficulties at the time of the incident, including depression and post-traumatic stress related to earlier life experiences.
According to the defense, Sohail had previously visited the Chabad community and felt welcomed by members there. His attorney said he later experienced emotional distress and sought additional support from people connected with the organization, describing the crash as an irrational attempt to seek help rather than an act motivated by hatred.
Sohail did not give a statement during sentencing but thanked the judge at the conclusion of the hearing.
The January attack occurred on a significant anniversary for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, increasing concern among community members and authorities. The headquarters has maintained a visible police presence for years due to its religious importance and previous incidents of violence in the surrounding Crown Heights neighborhood.
Authorities continue to monitor security concerns affecting religious institutions across New York and other parts of the country amid ongoing discussions about preventing hate crimes and protecting places of worship.
