Hassan Chokr, a convicted felon from Dearborn, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms. This follows an incident where he was found with multiple firearms at a gun store after engaging in an antisemitic tirade at a synagogue. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., alongside Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Detroit Division.
In December 2022, Chokr targeted Jewish parents and preschoolers at a synagogue in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After being asked to leave, he went to a gun store in Dearborn where he handled and attempted to purchase several firearms: a Landor Arms 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, a Del-ton 5.56mm rifle, and a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol. He falsely claimed that he had no felony convictions during the purchase process but was ultimately denied after the background check revealed his criminal history.
"The federal government must do everything in its power to stem the rising tide of antisemitism," stated United States Attorney Gorgon. "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. 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."
Chokr is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2025, before United States District Court Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey and faces up to 15 years' imprisonment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson is prosecuting the case.
