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Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, a 29-year-old man from Schenectady is facing a minimum of seven years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to firing shots outside an Albany synagogue. On December 7, 2023, Alkhader fired two shotgun rounds near Temple Israel on New Scotland Avenue, shouting "Free Palestine." His gun jammed before he could fire a third shot. No one was injured in the incident.
Alkhader admitted to obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threat of force, brandishing a firearm during the offense, and conspiring to unlawfully purchase a firearm. He was arrested shortly after the incident and has been in federal custody since then.
The United States Attorney Carla Freedman stated that Alkhader's actions targeted the Jewish community and violated their right to practice religion without fear. FBI Special Agent Craig Tremaroli emphasized the premeditated nature of Alkhader's actions, noting that the incident disrupted Hanukkah celebrations and forced a daycare at the synagogue into lockdown.
Alkhader's sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2025, where he could face up to life in prison. His accomplice, Andrew Miller, who helped him illegally obtain the shotgun, has already been sentenced to 14 months in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office, the ATF, and the Albany Police Department.