A man from New York has received a 10-year prison sentence for his possession of a firearm intended for a premeditated attack, which he boasted about in social media posts targeting a synagogue. Christopher Brown, 23, from Aquebogue on Long Island, was apprehended at New York City’s Penn Station in November 2022 after law enforcement became aware of his threatening messages on Twitter. One particularly alarming post stated, “Gonna ask a Priest if I should become a husband or shoot up a synagogue and die.”
Upon his arrest, authorities discovered that Brown was equipped with a large military-style knife, a ski mask, and a swastika patch. He was taken into custody alongside another individual, Matthew Mahrer. Subsequently, law enforcement uncovered a bag at Mahrer’s apartment containing a Glock-style firearm with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 17 rounds.
Details from the criminal complaint indicate that Brown openly admitted to law enforcement that he operated a Twitter group centered around white supremacism and identified Mahrer as one of his followers. He allegedly remarked, “I have Nazi paraphernalia at my house. I think it is really cool.”
In light of violent hate-driven incidents, such as the May 2022 mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket, authorities expressed significant concern regarding Brown’s intentions due to the threats of violence he had made.
Brown was sentenced on Wednesday after entering a guilty plea in September for criminal possession of a weapon linked to terrorism. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg commented that Brown had been sentenced to a substantial prison term for equipping himself with an illegal firearm while planning to instigate terror against the Jewish community in Manhattan.
Bragg emphasized that his office is committed to utilizing all available methods to ensure the safety of Jewish residents in New York.
As for Mahrer, who is facing charges related to weapons possession but does not face terrorism charges, his legal proceedings are ongoing. Mahrer’s attorney, Gilbert Bayonne, has stated that his client has pleaded not guilty to the current charges.
