ALBANY, NEW YORK — A 28-year-old man, Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, was arrested after firing shots and yelling “Free Palestine” at Temple Israel in Albany. The FBI charged him with illegal firearm possession, as he is reportedly a prohibited person.
The incident, treated as a hate crime by Albany Police, occurred Thursday afternoon. Police Chief Eric Hawkins assured there was no community threat, indicating Alkhader acted alone. No injuries were reported, but nearby St. Peter’s Hospital and related facilities were temporarily locked down.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the act, emphasizing solidarity with the Jewish community and rejecting violence and antisemitism.
The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York commended the prompt police response. The FBI continues to investigate, seeking to understand Alkhader’s motives.
At some point during the incident, a bystander in a vehicle confronted the suspect. They had a brief verbal exchange before the suspect was found by police and arrested.
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