Dearborn Man Pleads Guilty To Gun Crime After Making Antisemitic Threats: Feds

DEARBORN, MI — A Dearborn man has pleaded guilty to a gun charge after making antisemitic and racist threats outside an Oakland County synagogue in late 2022.

Hassan Chokr, 37, pleaded guilty Tuesday to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He faces up to 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 24.

Officials said Chokr yelled antisemitic and racist threats to parents, young children and security at Temple Beth El, a preschool and synagogue in Bloomfield Hills on Dec. 2, 2022.

After the verbal attack, he went to a Dearborn gun store where he handled guns and tried to buy a shotgun, a rifle and a semi-automatic pistol, officials said.

While waiting for his background check, officials said Chokr told the dealer the guns were for "God's wrath" and to "even the score."

However, he was denied the guns after officials said he lied on a form about his eligibility to buy a gun. Chokr did not disclose on the form that he was a felon and was not allowed to possess guns, officials said.

He also lied about having been committed to a mental institution, officials said.

"Chokr’s attempt to purchase several deadly firearms in an apparent 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," said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. "And we will not allow anyone to terrorize our Jewish neighbors. We are committed to protecting every American and their right to live and worship free of fear."