Michael Shapiro, Hate Crime Threats, Michigan 2023

State: Michigan
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/pr/florida-man-indicted-making-hate-crime-threats-against-council-american-islamic" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

DETROIT – A West Palm Beach man has been indicted for repeatedly threatening the Council on American-Islamic Relations (“CAIR”) Michigan Chapter, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Michael Shapiro, 72, allegedly placed three separate phone calls to CAIR’s office located in Canton, Michigan, and left voicemails containing threatening messages. The threats included statements such as, “I’m going to kill you bastards. I’m going to kill you bastards,” and “I’m going to kill you m****r f*****s. I’m going to kill you m****r f*****s.”

The indictment alleges that Shapiro intentionally selected the victim of his threats because of the actual and perceived religion and national origin of the people who work at and are assisted by CAIR. Shapiro was charged with three counts of transmitting threats in interstate commerce.

U.S. Attorney Ison stated, “Today’s charges should serve as a warning that those who threaten violence, especially when they intend to instill fear on an entire community, will be identified, investigated, and aggressively prosecuted.”

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, Cheyvoryea Gibson, added, “Threats motivated by religious bias can have a devastating impact on an entire faith community. For this reason, hate crimes are one of the FBI’s highest investigative priorities.”

The Canton Police Department extended thanks to the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in addressing the threats. Chief Chad Baugh stated, “Such collaborative efforts reinforce our commitment to combating hate crimes and ensuring community safety.”

Shapiro faces up to 5 years in prison for each of the 3 counts if convicted. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson.

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