Michigan man cops to gun charge after 'menacing antisemitic tirade'

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A Michigan man accused of threatening Jewish children, parents and security guards at a synagogue has pleaded guilty to a weapons charge after trying to purchase guns at a nearby store.

Hassan Chokr, 37, of Dearborn, Mich., was out on bail when he allegedly drove through the parking lot of Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, near Detroit, and unleashed a “menacing antisemitic tirade” at parents dropping off their preschool-age kids in December 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said in a news release.

Chokr allegedly yelled profanities and attacked parents’ support for Israel before being asked to leave, the attorney’s office said.

Authorities said Chokr then attempted to buy three firearms at a nearby gun store, where he held a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, a rifle and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol while at times pointing them and pulling the trigger.

The attorney’s office said he also lied on the gun application by stating he had not been convicted of a felony. But Chokr had been convicted in 2017 of felony theft and was facing a pending assault with a dangerous weapon charge, according to the New York Post.

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While awaiting the results of a background check during the firearms purchase, Chokr allegedly said he was “going to even the score” and use the weapons for “God’s wrath,” according to the attorney’s office.

Chokr was eventually denied the weapons after a background check uncovered his criminal history.

“The federal government must do everything in its power to stem the rising tide of antisemitism,” U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said in a statement. “Chokr’s attempt to purchase several deadly firearms in an apparent (alleged) attempt to follow through on his menacing threats against parents and preschoolers as they walked into a place of worship represents every American’s worst nightmare. And we will not allow anyone to terrorize our Jewish neighbours.

“We are committed to protecting every American and their right to live and worship free of fear.”

Chokr pleaded guilty May 28 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is set to be sentenced on Sept. 24 and faces up to 15 years in prison.