US Justice Department Investigates New York Cafe for Refusing Entry to Pro-Israel Congressman

The US Department of Justice announced on Monday that it has initiated an investigation into a small chain of coffee shops in New York City after they posted online that they would have refused entry to pro-Israel Congressman Dan Goldman had they recognized him during his visit earlier in the week.

Harmit Dillon, Assistant Attorney General, stated on the platform X that the Civil Rights Division of the department has opened the investigation and "will take enforcement action if necessary."

She added, "Federal law prohibits public places such as coffee shops from discriminating against customers based on race, religion, or national origin."

Dan Goldman, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, visited the Botica Coffee shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, outside his electoral district, accompanied by his seven-year-old daughter on Sunday.

The coffee shop chain posted on Instagram, "We see you stopped by our store today for coffee. We do not serve racists, fascists, homophobes, those who permit genocide, or anyone like that... It is unfortunate we did not recognize you immediately, otherwise we would have refused your entry. Never come to Botica."

Goldman responded to the coffee shop’s Instagram post, explaining that he went there so his daughter could use the restroom, and that he bought a cup of coffee to thank the staff for allowing her to do so, also leaving a tip.

The coffee shop replied to Goldman by stating they refunded the full amount he paid for the coffee before disabling his Instagram account.

Goldman is supported by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and is competing in the June 23 primary election against Brad Lander, the former New York City Comptroller backed by Mayor Zehran Mamdani. Both Lander and Goldman are Jewish.