ALBANY, N.Y. — A 29-year-old individual entered a guilty plea to federal charges on Tuesday for discharging a shotgun outside a synagogue in upstate New York during the early stages of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Mufid Fawaz Alkhader was taken into custody in December 2023 after he fired two shots into the air while shouting “Free Palestine!” in front of Temple Israel in Albany. His shotgun malfunctioned before he could fire a third round. Originally from Iraq, Alkhader, who is a U.S. citizen, expressed his grievances about the situation in the Middle East to federal authorities following his arrest.
The incident occurred on the first night of Hanukkah and came two months after Hamas initiated a surprise attack, escalating the conflict. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although 61 preschool-aged children were kept indoors as law enforcement investigated the area. Prosecutors revealed that Alkhader used a ride-share service to travel to the temple from his residence in Schenectady.
As part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Alkhader admitted to crimes including obstructing the free exercise of religion through threats or force, brandishing a firearm during that act, and conspiring to illegally acquire a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman issued a statement condemning Alkhader’s actions, describing them as a violent, antisemitic act that endangered the Temple Israel community, the broader Jewish population, and the fundamental right of individuals to practice their faith without the threat of violence.
In court, Alkhader, dressed in orange prison attire, was mostly silent apart from entering his pleas and answering the judge’s questions with simple “yes” or “no” responses.
Initially, Alkhader was charged with illegal firearm possession due to his acknowledged use of marijuana, and then subsequently faced charges for conspiring to make false declarations in connection with a gun purchase.
In a related case, another individual was sentenced to 14 months in prison in October for facilitating a “straw” purchase of the shotgun for Alkhader.
Alkhader is currently detained in county jail and is facing a minimum of 7 years and potentially up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced on June 6.
A number of members from the temple were present in the courtroom but opted not to speak to the media as they exited.
