Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, Hate Crime with Firearm, New York 2023

A terrifying act of antisemitic terrorism unfolded in Albany, New York, as Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 29, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty to obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threat of force, brandishing a firearm during the commission of this offense, and conspiring to purchase a firearm unlawfully.

On December 7, 2023, Alkhader took an Uber from his home in Schenectady to Temple Israel in Albany. Upon arriving, he walked up the front steps of the synagogue, removed a shotgun from a duffel bag, and discharged two rounds into the air shouting, “Free Palestine!” Still holding the shotgun, he then attempted to remove an Israeli flag from a flagpole outside of the synagogue before walking away.

Albany Police Officers arrested Alkhader shortly after. United States Attorney Carla Freedman stated, “The defendant’s violent, antisemitic and terrifying act targeted the Temple Israel congregation, the larger Jewish community, and the right of every person to practice their religion without fear of violence.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli stated, “Mr. Alkhader’s plea confirms his deliberate and premeditated intentions to illegally acquire a gun and use it to bring terror to the Temple Israel community as they were preparing to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Thanks to the swift actions of the Temple Israel community and our law enforcement partners, justice has been served.

Alkhader’s threatening actions forced the daycare operating inside of Temple Israel at the time of his actions to go into lockdown. Alkhader also significantly disrupted activities that the Temple Israel community had planned to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah and made congregants afraid to return to their place of worship.

Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox stated, “The Albany Police Department wants to reassure the community that these incidents are taken very seriously, and we are dedicated to maintaining peace and safety for everyone in our community. Alkhader directly targeted the Jewish community, and I am pleased with our department’s quick action in apprehending the defendant, as well as the collective partnerships with the FBI Albany Office and the ATF who helped bring justice to this case.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2025, before United States District Court. The charges against Mufid Fawaz Alkhader carry a minimum term of 7 years in prison. Mufid Fawaz Alkhader will be sentenced to serve a minimum of 7 years in prison for obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threat of force, brandishing a firearm during the commission of this offense, and conspiring to purchase a firearm unlawfully. The case is a chilling reminder of the dangers of hate crimes and the importance of law enforcement’s swift action in bringing perpetrators to justice.

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