Florida investigates Miami Beach shooting as hate crime

A hate crimes unit in Miami is investigating a shooting incident involving Mordechai Brafman, 27, who fired 17 shots at two men he mistakenly believed to be Palestinians. The shooting occurred on a busy Saturday night, injuring two Israeli nationals, Ari and Yaron Rabi, who were vacationing in Miami Beach. Brafman later claimed to police that he targeted the men because he thought they were Palestinians, highlighting a troubling rise in anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiment in the region. Local Muslim organizations are urging law enforcement to classify the attack as a hate crime, arguing that it reflects a broader pattern of violence against the Palestinian-American community. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office is reviewing the case to determine if it qualifies for enhanced penalties under Florida law. Brafman is currently held without bond on attempted murder charges, with federal authorities also being called upon to investigate the incident as a hate crime.