The Justice Department revealed on Tuesday that Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 29, had actually pleaded guilty to blocking the totally free workout of religions by risk of force along with 2 gun-related charges. He deals with 7 to twenty years in jail along with a fine of approximately $750,000. He will be sentenced in federal court on June 6.
According to the Justice Department’s declaration, Alkhader strolled up the front actions of Temple Israel, a Conservative churchgoers, on Dec. 7, 2023– 2 months after Hamas’ attack on Israel and soon before the start of Hanukkah that night. He then took a shotgun out of a knapsack and fired it in the air two times while screaming “Free Palestine!” He likewise tried to remove an Israeli flag flying outside the synagogue.
The event triggered the synagogue day care to lock down. Alkhader was jailed soon later.
” The accused’s violent, antisemitic and frightening act targeted the Temple Israel churchgoers, the bigger Jewish neighborhood, and the right of everyone to practice their religious beliefs without worry of violence,” U.S. Lawyer Carla Freedman stated in a declaration.
‘ Our spirit shines as a beacon of hope’
Soon after the event, Temple Israel published a picture to Facebook of congregants lighting the menorah on the opening night of Hanukkah.
” In these tough times, our steady spirit shines as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the darkest of minutes, our light stays undimmed,” the synagogue published. “We are exceptionally grateful to our Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and civic leaders, whose swift and definitive actions have actually enhanced the security and unity of our neighborhood. Delighted Chanukah to all.”
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