A man attempted to ram into 770 by driving through the back doors. Boruch Hashem, he was unsuccessful, and the police have arrested him.

The incident occurred on Yud Shevat, when thousands of people gather at 770, including many bochurim who travel from around the world for the special day. The building was significantly more crowded than usual at the time of the attack.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect drove up to 770 Eastern Parkway on Wednesday and exited his vehicle, instructing bystanders to move out of the way. He then got back into his car and drove down the small ramp leading to the double doors at the western entrance of the shul.

Video footage from the scene shows the suspect reversing and ramming into the building multiple times before the vehicle became lodged in the rear door of the main Shul. Boruch Hashem, no one was hurt in the incident.

After the ramming attempts, the suspect exited his vehicle, placed his hands behind his back, and was immediately arrested by police on scene.

Law enforcement officials report that an explosive device may be present in the suspect’s vehicle. As a precaution, police immediately entered 770 and evacuated the building. Numerous police and emergency units arrived at the scene. Police radio communications indicated a 10-39 (bomb threat) was issued for the location. Specialized bomb squad units with explosives experts were called in to determine if there is indeed a bomb in the vehicle. Authorities conducted an initial sweep of the vehicle and are awaiting the bomb squad’s thorough inspection. Several fire department units were released from the scene as the situation was brought under control.

It has been revealed that this individual also recently visited Chabad houses in New Jersey.

In a statement to Anash.org, the NYPD Public Information Office confirmed that “upon arrival, officers observed a gray Mazda sedan which collided into the entrance doors at the bottom of a sloped driveway in front of 770 Eastern Parkway. The operator of the vehicle was taken into custody, and the investigation remains ongoing.” When asked about the suspected bomb, the NYPD declined to provide additional information at this time.

Questions have been raised about how the suspect was able to access the ramp, as protective poles that normally block vehicle access to that area had been removed. It remains unclear why these barriers were not in place or who removed them.

Boruch Hashem, everyone is safe, and there were no injuries whatsoever. Only minor damage was caused to the building. The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. We will update with more information.

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