DOJ investigates – The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation after a Brooklyn coffee shop said it would no longer serve Rep. Dan Goldman, following his visit with his 7-year-old daughter. The shop’s social media post accused Goldman of supporting Israel and sugg
A Brooklyn coffee shop made a point of posting that it was turning away a sitting member of Congress—then watched federal investigators step in.
Rep. Dan Goldman said he was told he could not return to Poetica Coffee after visiting the shop with his 7-year-old daughter. The restaurant’s message. later deleted from social media. centered on Goldman’s identity and his political position. including his support for Israel. The post featured a photo of Goldman standing at the register.
In the post. Poetica Coffee wrote: “We see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee.” The shop then declared: “We don’t serve racists. fascists. homophobes. genocide enablers or anyone in between. Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away. or we would have turned you away.” The post also said Poetica Coffee issued a refund and told Goldman never to come back.
Goldman, responding in the comments, said the barista “could not have been nicer” during the visit with his daughter. He added that his daughter had to use the restroom and that the shop handled it.
“I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved.”
The backlash moved beyond social media. Harmeet Dillon, the DOJ Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, wrote in a post that the agency opened an investigation into the coffee shop.
“Federal law prohibits public accommodations such as coffee shops from discriminating against patrons based on their race. religion. or national origin. ” Dillon said. She added: “These actions are not only reprehensible, they’re potentially illegal. The Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation, and will bring an enforcement action if warranted.”.
The dispute also brings a campaign backdrop into focus. Goldman is currently up for re-election against Brad Lander, a former city comptroller and mayoral candidate who has the backing of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Poetica Coffee was unable to be reached for comment.
DOJ Civil Rights Division Rep. Dan Goldman Poetica Coffee Brooklyn discrimination public accommodations Israel campaign
So the DOJ is investigating a coffee shop over politics? Next they’re gonna shut down every bar that has different opinions.
I mean, if they “don’t serve” people because of Israel stuff, isn’t that like religion/national origin discrimination? Also why was he even bringing his kid into drama like that.
Bro I swear this is just payback. Like Goldman is in politics and the shop didn’t want to look bad, so they banned him. But the article says “race” and “religion” and I’m like… none of that was even said, it was more like “genocide enablers” like political views. DOJ needs to chill.
Honestly I don’t even know what to think. They posted his picture at the register and then deleted it? That’s wild. But also Goldman is literally a sitting congressman, of course he’s gonna make it a civil rights thing. Like can a business refuse for any reason or not? I feel like the daughter restroom part is getting used to tug hearts.