egation, the larger Jewish community, and the right of every person to practice their religion without fear of violence." The article indicated that Alkhader pleaded guilty to obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threat of force, brandishing a firearm during a crime and conspiring to pur

had been arrested at the scene outside Temple Israel on Dec. 7, 2023, after the gunfire sent the synagogue into lockdown. According to the article, Alkhader shouted "Free Palestine!" outside the house of worship and later told federal investigators that "events in the Middle East have impacted him." The

Mufid Fawaz Alkhader was arrested in December 2023 after firing two shots in the air and shouting "Free Palestine!" outside Temple Israel of Albany. Alkhader's shotgun jammed before he could fire a third time. The Iraqi-born U.S. citizen was arrested soon after and complained about events in the Middle Ea

Hamas triggered the war. No one was injured, but 61 children attending preschool sheltered in place while police searched the area. Prosecutors said Alkhader took a ride-share vehicle to the temple from his home in nearby Schenectady. The article stated that under a deal with prosecutors, Alkhader pleade