A gunman who allegedly fired shots outside of a synagogue in Albany shouting “Free Palestine” on the first day of Hannukah has been charged.
According to NBC News, FBI spokesperson Sarah Ruane confirmed Mufid Fawaz Alkhader was arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm after two shots were fired outside the Temple Israel around 2 p.m. Thursday.
Hawkins stated during a news conference, “We were told by responding officers that he made a comment, ‘Free Palestine.’”
NBC News also noted the shooter attempted to flee but was stopped by an individual in the parking lot. He dropped his gun and was taken into custody when officers arrived.
The New York Post reported New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement noting, “I am immediately directing New York State Police and New York National Guard to be on high alert and increase the existing patrols of at-risk sites we had planned for the Hanukkah holiday.”
“This builds on the significant efforts we have taken to protect religious communities in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks,” She went on.
“Make no mistake: The safety of Jewish New Yorkers is non-negotiable,” she added.
Jewish Americans and those who stand against violence denounced the incident on X, formerly Twitter.
After tonight's shooting near
— Lara Bryn (@CBS6Lara) December 8, 2023
Temple Israel in Albany, my heart is heavy.
We always find light in the darkness.
Happy Chanukah. pic.twitter.com/ESFkABTToi
Albany reporter Lara Byrn wrote, “After tonight’s shooting near Temple Israel in Albany, my heart is heavy. We always find light in the darkness. Happy Chanukah.”
I'm horrified over reports of shots fired outside Temple Israel in #Albany today. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the suspect was detained.
— Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (@PatriciaFahy109) December 7, 2023
To our Jewish community in Albany and the Capital Region — we stand with you, and we share your pain.
Hate will never win here. pic.twitter.com/CAbU4dCoPP
New York Assemblymember Patricia Fahy stated, “I’m horrified over reports of shots fired outside Temple Israel in #Albany today. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the suspect was detained.”
“To our Jewish community in Albany and the Capital Region — we stand with you, and we share your pain. Hate will never win here,” she concluded.
We can oppose genocide in Gaza recognize the priority of Palestinian suffering, & denounce incidents such as this. Man shoots twice outside synagogue full of kids 1st night of Hanukkah, declares "Free Palestine." Not like this. Let me hear you, friends. https://t.co/8TYEafIseI
— Jeff Sharlet (@JeffSharlet) December 8, 2023
New York Times Bestselling author Jeff Sharlet is a pro-Palestine supporter who stated, “We can oppose genocide in Gaza recognize the priority of Palestinian suffering, & denounce incidents such as this.”