Florida man charged with shooting men he thought were Palestinian in Miami Beach
Share and Follow


The 27-year-old suspect fired 17 shots at the victims, an arrest report states.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A Florida man is facing charges after firing shots at two men he believed were Palestinian on Saturday night in Miami Beach, an arrest report states.

Mordechai Brafman, 27, was arrested on attempted murder charges Saturday. 

Police said around 9:30 p.m., surveillance video captured Brafman’s vehicle making a U-turn at 48th Street in Miami Beach before stopping directly in front of the victim’s vehicle, which was also stopped.

The report said Brafman then got out of his vehicle, and as the victims drove past him, he shot at the victim’s vehicle 17 times, striking them.

Brafman drove several blocks before he was taken into custody by responding officers.

The report states that while in police custody, Brafman “spontaneously” said that while he was driving his truck he saw two Palestinians and “shot and killed both.”

One of the victims was shot in the shoulder, while the other was grazed in the forearm, police said. 

Brafman faces two counts of second-degree attempted murder in the shooting.

The Florida Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights organization, called for federal hate crime charges to be filed against Brafman.

In a statement, CAIR-Florida Communications Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz called the case “disturbing.”

“We urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to bring hate crime charges in this case based on the alleged perpetrator’s statements to police that reportedly indicate an anti-Palestinian motive,” Ruiz said.

Police said Brafman did not know the victims.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
CA Weather: New storm hitting waterlogged Southern California could cause more flooding and mudslides

Southern California Faces Renewed Flooding and Mudslide Threats as New Storm Approaches

In Wrightwood, California, a formidable storm system swept through on Thursday, setting…
New Yorkers enraged over Times Square Christmas billboard

Outrage Erupts in New York: The Times Square Christmas Billboard That’s Stirring Controversy

A Times Square billboard declaring ‘Jesus is Palestinian’ has sparked outrage, with…
US launches deadly strike on ISIS targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians, President Trump says

US Executes Precision Airstrike on ISIS in Nigeria Following Attacks on Christians: President Trump

President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Thursday that he…
Trump vows no 'Bad Santas' in America, piles praise on Christmas Eve

Trump Pledges to Keep ‘Bad Santas’ Out of America, Celebrates Christmas Eve Spirit

First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump continued a cherished tradition…
California braces SECOND life-threatening wave of flash floods

California Faces Unprecedented Second Wave of Devastating Flash Floods: What You Need to Know

Residents of California are preparing for another wave of dangerous flooding as…
Bari Weiss defends pulling '60 Minutes' segment in Christmas memo to CBS News staff

Bari Weiss Explains Decision to Withdraw ’60 Minutes’ Segment in CBS News Holiday Message

CBS News’ editor in chief, Bari Weiss, has defended her choice to…
Nebraska grandfather killed in 'freak accident' at McDonald’s drive-thru

Tragic McDonald’s Drive-Thru Incident Claims Life of Nebraska Grandfather in Unforeseen Accident

Just days before Christmas, a tragic incident unfolded at a McDonald’s drive-thru…
Poland scrambles jets on Christmas after detecting Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace

Poland Mobilizes Fighter Jets on Christmas Day in Response to Russian Aircraft Near Airspace

On Thursday, Poland launched fighter jets in response to the detection of…