Dearborn Man Sentenced 34 Months for Threats, Illegal Gun Possession at Jewish Preschool

Hassan Chokr, a 38-year-old man from Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to 34 months in prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms after making antisemitic threats toward children and parents at a Jewish preschool parking lot in 2022. Following his threatening tirade at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, Chokr attempted to purchase three firearms at a gun store while lying about his felony conviction and stating his intent to use the guns for "God's wrath" and to "even the score." Federal prosecutors charged him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ethnic intimidation. The synagogue and U.S. Attorney's Office condemned Chokr's actions as part of a troubling pattern of violence and affirmed their commitment to protecting religious communities from hate crimes. Chokr's attorney stated that he accepts the sentence and aims to move forward peacefully, having learned the limits of free speech. The case highlights ongoing concerns over antisemitic threats and violence in the United States.