New York: Muslim man who fired a shotgun outside a synagogue while shouting ‘Free Palestine’ sentenced to 10 years in prison

Image: Jihad Watch

A man who carried out a shocking act of gunfire outside a synagogue in upstate New York, while dozens of children were gathered inside for religious activities, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, according to reports from The Associated Press.

The accused, 29-year-old Mufid Alkhader, was taken into custody in December 2023 after he fired two shotgun blasts into the air outside Temple Israel of Albany. Witnesses recalled the terrifying scene as Alkhader shouted “Free Palestine!” during the incident, sparking fear among the congregation and local community. Fortunately, no one was physically harmed, but the act left many deeply shaken.

In February 2024, Alkhader accepted a plea deal with federal prosecutors, admitting guilt to multiple charges. These included obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by means of threat and force, brandishing a firearm during the commission of that crime, and conspiring to illegally acquire a firearm. The plea agreement spared him a potentially longer sentence, though his actions were still treated as a grave assault on both community safety and religious freedom.

At his sentencing hearing, Alkhader appeared in court dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. Speaking before the judge, he expressed regret for his behavior, acknowledging that his mental state at the time was unstable. “I know I was not in my right mind,” he said softly, asking the court and those affected by his actions for forgiveness.

The case has been viewed as not only a criminal act but also a disturbing reminder of how political tensions can spill into violent demonstrations that endanger innocent lives and undermine religious freedom in America.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)