ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWSnet/AP) — A man who fired a shotgun into the air outside a synagogue in New York’s capital city told investigators he felt affected by events in the Middle East, a federal agent said in a court filing.
The shooting happened Thursday afternoon outside Albany's Temple Israel, just hours before the start of Hanukkah.
Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 28, was arrested a short distance away from the temple after laying down the shotgun, police said. He said “Free Palestine” when officers arrested him, according to Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins.
No one was injured by the gunfire Thursday afternoon outside Albany’s Temple Israel, but children attending preschool had to shelter in place while police searched the area.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she had directed the state police and New York National Guard to be on high alert and to increase planned patrols of at-risk sites during Hanukkah.
Federal prosecutors charged Alkhader with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person — a charge authorities said was related to his admitted use of marijuana. He could also face state charges.
Hawkins said the incident was being investigated as a possible hate crime, but there was no indication other people were involved.
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