DOJ Launches investigation into Brooklyn Coffee Shop Over Alleged Discrimination Against Congressman

The Civil Rights Division says denial of service taunts toward Rep. Dan Goldman may violate federal law banning bias in public accommodations.

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) during a hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security on Sept. 13, 2023. (Screenshot/U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security).

The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has launched an investigation into a Brooklyn coffee shop accused of taunting and refusing service to a member of Congress due to his pro-Israel stance, officials announced Monday.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the Civil Rights Division, made the announcement on X, noting that the division is aware of “denial of service taunts to @danielsgoldman by Poetica Coffee in Brooklyn.”