ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A 29-year-old man, Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, entered a plea of guilty on Tuesday to federal charges stemming from an incident where he fired a shotgun outside a synagogue in upstate New York during the early stages of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The arrest of Alkhader took place in December 2023 after he discharged two rounds into the air and vocally expressed his support for Palestine outside Temple Israel of Albany. Fortunately, Alkhader’s weapon malfunctioned before he was able to shoot a third time. He was promptly apprehended following the incident and reportedly expressed discontent with events unfolding in the Middle East, as disclosed by federal prosecutors.
The gunfire incident occurred in New York’s capital city on the inaugural night of Hanukkah, just two months subsequent to a sudden military advance by Hamas that instigated conflict. Although no injuries were reported, 61 children attending preschool at the synagogue were required to take shelter while law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the vicinity. According to prosecutors, Alkhader had utilized a ride-share service to travel from his residence in nearby Schenectady to the temple.
In accordance with an agreement reached with the prosecution, Alkhader pleaded guilty to charges including obstructing the practice of religious beliefs through threats of violence, displaying a firearm during the commission of said offense, and participating in an unlawful scheme to procure a firearm. U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman underscored the severity of Alkhader’s actions, characterizing them as violent, anti-Semitic, and terror-inducing, with direct targeting of the Temple Israel congregation, the broader Jewish community, and the fundamental right of individuals to worship freely without fear of harm.
Appearing in court attired in orange prison garb, Alkhader offered minimal commentary aside from his pleas and brief responses to inquiries from the judge. Initially, he faced charges related to possessing a firearm as a prohibited individual, reportedly due to his acknowledged cannabis use, and later was accused of involvement in a falsified firearm purchase scheme. Another individual was previously sentenced to 14 months in prison for facilitating a “straw” purchase of the shotgun on Alkhader’s behalf.
Alkhader is currently detained in the county correctional facility and could be sentenced to a minimum of seven years up to a potential life term on June 6. Members of the congregation from Temple Israel were present during the court proceedings but opted not to provide comments as they exited the premises.
