A 28-year-old Iraqi-born U.S. citizen has been charged with firing a shotgun outside a synagogue in New York. Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, a resident of Schenectady, New York, was arrested near Temple Israel in Albany after firing a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun into the air, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York.
Alkhader has been charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, stemming from his admitted use of marijuana. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The incident occurred on Dec. 8, and according to the authorities, Alkhader was seen firing the shotgun outside the synagogue before being apprehended just a short distance away.
The synagogue was reportedly hosting an event at the time of the incident, and attendees were placed on lockdown while law enforcement responded to the situation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Alkhader’s actions posed a significant risk to the public and threatened the peace and security of the community.
Investigators have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the shooting, and it is unclear whether Alkhader has legal representation.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of religious institutions and the potential for violence against them. The Jewish community has been particularly vigilant in light of prior attacks on synagogues and other religious sites.
The case has drawn attention to broader issues of gun control and the presence of firearms in the possession of individuals with a history of drug use. Federal authorities are likely to scrutinize Alkhader’s background and the circumstances surrounding his possession of the shotgun.
Alkhader’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions and security concerns across the country, as law enforcement and communities remain on high alert for potential threats.
The incident at Temple Israel has prompted a renewed focus on security measures at religious institutions, with many reevaluating their protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of their members and visitors.
As the case unfolds, the public will be closely following developments and the legal proceedings as they unfold in the coming weeks and months. The outcome of Alkhader’s case could have broader implications for how similar incidents are handled and addressed in the future.
