US News: Albany Synagogue Incident: Man Arrested for Firing Shotgun in Parking Area

NEW YORK: In a disturbing incident that unfolded on Thursday afternoon in Albany, New York, a man was apprehended after reportedly firing a shotgun in the parking area of a local synagogue, as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The suspect, identified as Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, faces charges of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person and was slated for a court appearance on Friday.

The FBI disclosed that Alkhader, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Iraq, attributed his actions to the impact of Middle East events and admitted to regular marijuana use during questioning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident at Temple Israel around 2:27 p.m., and the swift response of law enforcement led to the suspect’s prompt arrest.

This troubling event comes at a sensitive time for the Jewish community, as it occurred on the first night of Hanukkah, marking a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and security measures.