Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, a 29-year-old resident of Schenectady, New York, has pled guilty to charges related to a hate crime involving the firing of shots outside an Albany synagogue. The charges include obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threat of force, brandishing a firearm during this offense, and conspiring to purchase a firearm unlawfully. Alkhader has been in federal custody since his arrest on December 7, 2023.
The incident occurred when Alkhader traveled from Schenectady to Temple Israel in Albany via Uber. Upon arrival, he discharged two rounds from a shotgun into the air while shouting "Free Palestine" and attempted to remove an Israeli flag from the premises before leaving. He was apprehended shortly thereafter by Albany Police Officers.
United States Attorney Carla Freedman remarked on the severity of Alkhader's actions: “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.” She commended law enforcement for their prompt response and investigation leading to Alkhader's guilty plea.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli highlighted that Alkhader's plea confirmed his premeditated intentions: “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.”
Alkhader's actions led Temple Israel's daycare center into lockdown and disrupted planned Hanukkah celebrations. Additionally, he admitted that he conspired with Andrew Miller in November 2023 for Miller to purchase a shotgun under false pretenses. This weapon was later used by Alkhader at Temple Israel.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller emphasized accountability: “This guilty plea shows accountability for unlawfully obtaining a firearm and using it to instill fear.” He noted that collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies was crucial in resolving this case.
Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox reassured the community about their commitment: “The Albany Police Department wants to reassure the community that these incidents are taken very seriously.”
Sentencing is set for June 6, 2025. Alkhader faces between seven years up to life imprisonment along with supervised release post-imprisonment. Andrew Miller received a sentence of 14 months for his involvement in acquiring the firearm.
The FBI Albany Field Office collaborated with ATF and Albany Police Department on this investigation. The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping from Northern District of New York along with Trial Attorneys Jennifer Levy and Trevor Kempner from various divisions within the Department of Justice.