Florida Man Sentenced 25 Years for Plotting Attacks on Jews, Black Americans

John Kevin Lapinski Jr., a 41-year-old man from Margate, Florida, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for firearm offenses and plotting attacks against Jewish and Black communities. Lapinski, a convicted felon barred from owning weapons, possessed an arsenal including five firearms, over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, silencers, body armor, smoke grenades, and tactical gear. Police discovered racist and antisemitic attack maps and a target list that named specific groups and individuals, including a Jewish member of Congress, Rep. Jared Moskowitz. Investigators linked him to a drive-by shooting in August 2024 targeting a Jewish resident's home and vehicle, as well as gunfire in a residential neighborhood on Halloween. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized that Lapinski's intent to terrorize minority communities was clearly documented in his plans and that hate-fueled violence will face decisive federal prosecution. The case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and Margate police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton.