Justice Department probes coffee shop after Goldman ban

The Justice Department says it is investigating a New York City coffee shop chain after a social media post showed it refunded and barred Democratic Rep. Daniel Goldman over his support for Israel. The Civil Rights Division said federal law prohibits public ac

On a Sunday, Poetica Coffee posted a photo of New York Rep. Daniel Goldman at a counter and followed it with a message that left no room for misunderstanding: the shop said it had refunded him and that he was “not ‘ever’ welcome” in its Brooklyn and East Village stores. By Monday, the Justice Department was involved.

The probe was opened after the post—accompanied by screenshots circulating online—described Goldman as someone who. in the business’s view. had been showing up in support of Israel. The post said. “Hey Congressman Dan Goldman. we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee. ” and added a taunt about whether he could tell the difference between its coffee and “genocide juice.”.

Poetica Coffee’s founder, Parviz Mukhamadkulov, later became the target of a wave of negative reviews and a federal investigation. By Monday evening. Harmeet Dhillon. the assistant attorney general for civil rights. wrote on X that the Civil Rights Division was aware of the incident and had opened an investigation. Dhillon said. “Federal law prohibits public accommodations such as coffee shops from discriminating against patrons based on their race. religion. or national origin.”.

Dhillon added that the actions were “not only reprehensible, they’re potentially illegal,” and that the Civil Rights Division “will bring an enforcement action if warranted.”

Goldman’s response came just as quickly. The congressman said he was sorry to see Poetica Coffee’s post and explained that he had bought a coffee after a barista let his 7-year-old daughter use the restroom. even though they had not purchased anything prior. Goldman wrote, “I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness. I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved.”.

The back-and-forth sits inside a broader political and financial fight. Federal data show Goldman. who is facing a primary challenge from former city Comptroller Brad Lander. received an endorsement and more than $190. 000 in direct and earmarked donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for the 2026 cycle. Facing mounting pressure from Lander, Goldman publicly disavowed the donations and pledged to return the funds, according to Politico.

As the legal process begins. the commercial one is still ongoing—Poetica Coffee. a chain with locations in Brooklyn and the East Village. has denied a role in political boycotts and branded its stance as a line against broader behavior. writing that it doesn’t serve “racists. fascists. homophobes. genocide enablers. or anyone in between.”.

Representatives for Poetica Coffee, the Justice Department, and Goldman did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

By Monday, the core issue had moved from a social media post to a federal question: whether a public business can refuse a customer based on views tied to religion or national origin—even when the trigger is framed as political support.

Justice Department civil rights probe Poetica Coffee Daniel Goldman Brad Lander American Israel Public Affairs Committee AIPAC Brooklyn East Village public accommodations discrimination