ALBANY, N.Y. — A 29-year-old man entered a guilty plea to federal charges on Tuesday after he discharged a shotgun outside a synagogue in upstate New York amid the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
Mufid Fawaz Alkhader was taken into custody in December 2023 after he fired two shots into the air while yelling “Free Palestine!” near Temple Israel of Albany. A malfunction in his shotgun prevented him from firing a third round. Alkhader, who is originally from Iraq and holds U.S. citizenship, was apprehended shortly afterward, during which he voiced his discontent regarding the situation in the Middle East, as reported by federal prosecutors.
The incident occurred on the first evening of Hanukkah and two months following Hamas’s unexpected attack, which escalated the ongoing conflict. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but 61 children in a nearby preschool were ordered to shelter in place while law enforcement combed the area for safety. Prosecutors disclosed that Alkhader had used a ride-share service to reach the synagogue from his residence in Schenectady.
As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Alkhader pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs through threats of force, brandishing a firearm during the commission of that act, and conspiring to illegally acquire a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman commented in a prepared statement about the case, stating that Alkhader’s violent and intimidating actions were aimed at both the congregation of Temple Israel and the broader Jewish community, undermining the right of individuals to practice their faith without facing threats.
In court, Alkhader, dressed in orange jail attire, spoke briefly, only confirming his pleas and responding to basic questions from the judge with simple affirmations or negations.
Initially, federal authorities charged Alkhader for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, linked to his acknowledgment of marijuana use. He later faced additional accusations of conspiracy related to making false statements when attempting to purchase a firearm.
Another individual, who facilitated the shotgun purchase as a “straw” buyer for Alkhader, was sentenced to 14 months in prison in October.
Currently held in the county jail, Alkhader is facing a sentence of at least seven years, with the possibility of life imprisonment, set for a hearing on June 6.
Members of Temple Israel were present at the court hearing, and following the proceedings, the temple issued a statement regarding the incident. Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson emphasized the community’s enduring commitment to openness and inclusion despite the tragic event. The statement conveyed a message of resilience, expressing that, “This difficult incident has not changed Temple Israel’s commitment to inviting families, friends, and neighbors into our space. While we have increased our security, we are holding firm to our values and to the spirit of welcome.”
