ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A man fired a shotgun into the air. outside the synagogue In New York, an Iraqi-born American told investigators he felt affected by events in the Middle East, federal officials said in a court filing.
No one was injured in the shooting outside the Albanese Temple in Israel on Thursday afternoon, but children attending a kindergarten had to be evacuated while police searched the scene.
Police said Mufid Fawaz al-Khader, 28, was arrested after laying down a shotgun a short distance from the temple. When officers arrested him, he said, “Liberate Palestine,” Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said.
Federal prosecutors charged Alkader with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (authorities said the charge was related to his admitted use of marijuana) and he is scheduled to appear in federal court in Albany on Friday morning. Ta. He also could face state charges. Hawkins said the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
An attorney to represent Arkader had not yet been appointed as of Friday morning. His phone number was not listed in public records.
The incident in the New York capital took place on the first night of Hanukkah as temperatures rise Fear of anti-Semitism around the world Aftermath of Israeli escalation war in gaza.
Gov. Cathy Hochul said she has directed state police and the New York National Guard to be on high alert during Hanukkah and to increase plans to patrol dangerous areas.
Alkader, who lives in Schenectady, near Albany, waived his right to remain silent and spoke with law enforcement officials after his arrest, task force officials with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in a court filing. Ta.
The officer’s affidavit does not detail what Alkader said about his motive, but the officer wrote that he offered that “events in the Middle East influenced him.”
FBI spokeswoman Sarah Ruane praised the “quick coordination” between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Temple Israel Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson told reporters she was grateful to the staff for ensuring the safety of those in the building, including children attending the kindergarten.