A Florida man was arrested and charged with shooting 17 shots at two men he mistook for Palestinians. Police said that the victims were Israeli tourists.
According to records of the state, Mordechai Braffman, 27, is charged with two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Miami State Attorney’s Office Hate Crimes Unit is reviewing the case to determine if it meets statutory requirements.
According to the Attorney’s Office, Florida does not have any hate crimes offenses. However, charges can be increased, which will increase the severity of the punishment for a crime, if the defendant is found guilty.
Brafman was accused of stopping in the parallel lane directly in front of his victim’s car before getting out of his vehicle. This happened on Saturday. According to the arrest affidavit, Brafman shot 17 times at the vehicle as the victims passed him.
While in custody, Brafman allegedly said that he saw two Palestinians while driving his truck and he shot and killed both, according to a police report.
According to the affidavit, one victim suffered a gunshot injury to the left shoulder and the second victim received a graze to the left forearm.
According to the affidavit, the victims and defendant are not acquainted. Brafman remains in jail, without bail. He will be arraigned in court on 10 March.
“Violence based in hate has no place in Miami-Dade,” Mayor Danielle Levin Cada said in a post on X Tuesday. “I thank @MiamiBeachPD for a swift arrest and @KathyFndzRundle for pursuing hate crime charges. Miami-Dade is proud to be a place rich in diversity—we must continue to confront hate in all forms & build a more tolerant community.”
