On the afternoon of January 8, 2024, a group of yeshiva students, reported to be Chabad messianics, attempted to protect the hidden passageways after a cement truck arrived to fill the tunnel. The men were seen tearing up wood paneling and throwing wooden pews while several of the men ran into the tunnel to stop it from being filled. The New York City Police Department responded after reports of a “disorderly group” outside the building.

Many refused to come out of the tunnel, and as a result, the New York City Police Department arrested nine people. Those arrested were between the ages of 19 and 22. Of those arrested, five men were later arraigned in front of a Brooklyn judge on charges including criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and obstructing governmental administration. The five men, who were described by their lawyer as being Israeli citizens studying to become rabbis, all pleaded not guilty and were released without bail until a future court date. Seven other individuals were given summonses on lesser charges.

Tags: cops, crown heights, tunnel