The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into a New York City coffee shop chain that reportedly stated it would have refused service to U.S. Representative Dan Goldman due to his pro-Israel stance.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the probe on X, stating that the Civil Rights Division will pursue enforcement action if warranted. Dhillon emphasized that federal law prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against patrons based on race, religion, or national origin.
Representative Goldman, a Democrat, visited Poetica Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with his daughter on Sunday. The coffee shop subsequently posted on Instagram, expressing that they do not serve individuals who enable genocide or hold other discriminatory views, and regretting not recognizing Goldman to turn him away. The shop confirmed it issued a refund and stated, "Don't ever come to Poetica."
Poetica Coffee's Instagram post was no longer accessible on Monday, and the account appeared to have been deactivated. Representative Goldman is currently engaged in a primary election against Brad Lander, with both candidates being Jewish. The incident occurs amidst ongoing international scrutiny of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
