DOJ Opens Investigation Into NYC Coffee Shop Over Anti-Goldman Social Media Post

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into a New York City coffee shop after the business publicly stated it would have refused service to Representative Dan Goldman if employees had recognized him during a recent visit. The case has sparked debate over discrimination laws, political expression, and customer rights.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced on Monday that the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is reviewing the incident. According to Dhillon, federal law prohibits businesses that serve the public, including coffee shops and restaurants, from discriminating against customers based on race, religion, or national origin. She added that enforcement action could follow if investigators determine any violations occurred.

The controversy began after Goldman, a Democratic congressman from New York, visited Poetica Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with his 7-year-old daughter on Sunday. Goldman later explained that he stopped at the café so his daughter could use the restroom and purchased a coffee as a gesture of appreciation.

Following the visit, Poetica Coffee published a message on Instagram directed at the congressman. The post claimed the shop does not serve “racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers or anyone in between” and stated that Goldman would have been turned away had staff recognized him. The post quickly gained attention online before being removed. The café’s Instagram account also appeared to be deactivated shortly afterward.

Goldman is currently involved in a competitive Democratic primary race and has received support from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. His opponent is Brad Lander, the former New York City comptroller. Both candidates are Jewish and have been active voices on issues related to Israel and Gaza.

The incident comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. International rights organizations, legal experts, and a United Nations inquiry have raised concerns about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while Israeli officials maintain that military operations are acts of self-defense following the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken.

As the DOJ investigation moves forward, the case is expected to draw further attention to the intersection of civil rights law, political activism, and public accommodation policies in the United States.