A Michigan man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge following a 2022 incident in which he threatened Jewish families outside a synagogue and attempted to illegally purchase multiple firearms just hours later.
Hassan Chokr, 37, entered the guilty plea in federal court on Wednesday for being a felon in possession of firearms.
The charge stems from events that took place in December 2022, when Chokr—who had a prior felony conviction—attempted to purchase several firearms at a Dearborn gun store after confronting Jewish parents and children outside a Bloomfield Hills synagogue.
Just let this sink in… he was going to kill preschoolers… in the f***ing United States🤬:
A Muslim just pled guilty to a federal gun charge after threatening to kill Jewish preschoolers in Michigan.
After harassing families outside Temple Beth El, Hassan Chokr walked into a… pic.twitter.com/ACbudXUZTw
— Cheryl E 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🎗️ (@CherylWroteIt) June 1, 2025
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Federal prosecutors stated that Chokr drove into the synagogue’s parking lot during morning preschool drop-off and began yelling profanities and hostile statements about Israel.
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Witnesses reported that his threats were directed at both parents and their young children.
Staff and security at the synagogue ordered Chokr to leave the premises, and the incident was reported to local authorities.
Later that same day, Chokr went to a firearms dealer in Dearborn, where he handled several weapons, including a Landor Arms 12-gauge shotgun, a Del-Ton 5.56mm rifle, and a Glock 9mm pistol.
According to prosecutors, Chokr pointed the weapons and pulled the trigger while inside the store.
He also made threatening remarks during the attempted purchase, allegedly saying he wanted to “even the score” and referenced carrying out “God’s wrath.”
Chokr proceeded to fill out a background check form as part of the firearm purchase process, falsely stating that he had never been convicted of a felony.
However, a federal background check flagged his prior conviction and denied the sale. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or attempting to purchase firearms.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. issued a statement following the plea, describing the case as a serious example of antisemitic targeting and the need for strong enforcement of federal firearm laws.
“This case underscores the urgent need to combat antisemitism and protect vulnerable communities,” Gorgon said.
“Chokr’s actions—targeting children and parents at a house of worship, then seeking to arm himself illegally—represent a chilling threat. We will not tolerate efforts to intimidate or terrorize our Jewish neighbors or any faith community.”
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are expected.
Chokr remains in federal custody pending sentencing.
His hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jonathan JC Grey.
He faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison under current sentencing guidelines.
The incident drew attention from local and national advocacy groups concerned with the rising number of reported antisemitic incidents across the country.
The Department of Justice confirmed that it continues to work closely with law enforcement and community partners to monitor threats targeting places of worship.
The Bloomfield Hills synagogue involved in the case has increased its security protocols and continues to coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of its members.
No injuries were reported during the original December 2022 confrontation.
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