Man Who Rammed 770 Gets Six Month Prison Sentence

Dan Sohail, who deliberately drove his vehicle into the entrance of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway earlier this year was sentenced Wednesday to six months and one week in federal prison.

A New Jersey man who deliberately drove his vehicle into the entrance of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway earlier this year was sentenced Wednesday to six months and one week in federal prison, clearing the way for his release in about a week after receiving credit for time already served.

Dan Sohail, 36, of Carteret, N.J., was sentenced in Brooklyn federal court after pleading guilty in May to intentionally damaging religious property.

The January 28 incident unfolded while the building was busy with worshippers and visitors. Authorities said Sohail rammed his vehicle into a side entrance five times, tearing the door from its hinges and heavily damaging the front of his car. No one was injured. The court also ordered him to pay $20,000 in restitution.

Federal prosecutors had sought a longer prison term, arguing it would serve as a deterrent amid the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.

U.S. District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano declined that request, noting the attack was initially viewed by many as a hate crime, though the court ultimately focused on the charges before it. The judge said psychiatric evaluations showed Sohail’s mental health struggles played a significant role in the incident, describing the case as “a sad tale.”

Defense attorneys argued that Sohail suffered from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a traumatic childhood. According to court filings, he had previously attended programs at Chabad, where he was welcomed by rabbinical students, but later experienced a severe mental health decline. His attorney characterized the crash as an irrational cry for help rather than an act motivated by hatred.

The incident occurred on the 75th anniversary of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, assuming the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and prompted a major police response at the iconic Crown Heights landmark. Initial concerns that the attack may have been motivated by antisemitism led to an extensive investigation before prosecutors ultimately pursued charges of intentional damage to religious property.

Never Miss a Headline!

Sign up for the COLlive Daily News Roundup and never miss a story

Opt In

• I would like to receive the collive newsletter

Follow Us!