A Michigan man who launched antisemitic threats at a Jewish preschool has pleaded guilty to federal gun charges after attempting to purchase weapons he allegedly intended to use for “God’s wrath.” Chokr attempted to buy three semiautomatic weapons despite having a 2017 felony conviction. A gun store owner overheard Chokr saying he wanted to use the weapons for “God’s wrath.”
Antisemitic Threats Lead to Serious Federal Charges
Hassan Chokr has admitted guilt in a federal case involving illegal attempts to purchase firearms after threatening parents and children at a Jewish preschool. The Michigan resident pleaded guilty on May 28 to federal gun charges stemming from his December 2022 antisemitic tirade at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, where he confronted families outside the synagogue’s preschool. Following this disturbing incident, Chokr attempted to purchase three semiautomatic rifles at a Dearborn gun shop despite his prohibited status as a felon.
According to federal prosecutors, Chokr lied on his firearms application, denying his 2017 felony theft conviction and a pending assault charge. His application triggered a federal background check that revealed his criminal history, leading to denial of the purchase. The gun store owner reported overhearing Chokr’s alarming statement about intending to use the weapons for “God’s wrath,” raising immediate concerns about public safety.
Just let this sink in… he was going to kill preschoolers… in the f***ing United States🤬:
A Muslim just pled guilty to a federal gun charge after threatening to kill Jewish preschoolers in Michigan.
After harassing families outside Temple Beth El, Hassan Chokr walked into a… pic.twitter.com/ACbudXUZTw
— Cheryl E 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🎗️ (@CherylWroteIt) June 1, 2025
Violent Rhetoric and Disturbing Behavior
Federal authorities have documented Chokr’s extensive history of antisemitic threats. Investigators discovered social media posts containing violent rhetoric against Jewish people, with court documents revealing statements like “It ain’t a fair fight out here” and threats to “even the score.” His behavior has consistently demonstrated dangerous intentions, particularly toward the Jewish community. The combination of hate-fueled threats and attempts to acquire deadly weapons created a situation authorities considered an imminent threat.
“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.” – U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Chokr’s erratic behavior extended to the courtroom, where he reportedly exposed himself to a judge in protest during a previous court appearance. This pattern of conduct has complicated legal proceedings, with prosecutors requesting involuntary medication to ensure his competency for trial after he received diagnoses of “schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type” and “antisocial personality disorder” in 2023.
A Muslim just pled guilty to a federal gun charge after threatening to kill Jewish preschoolers in Michigan.
After harassing families outside Temple Beth El, Hassan Chokr walked into a gun shop and tried to buy firearms to deliver “God’s wrath” and “even the score.”
Dearborn,… pic.twitter.com/eb6jF2wHLd
— Israel News Pulse (@israelnewspulse) June 1, 2025
Legal Consequences and Community Protection
As a result of his guilty plea to federal gun charges, Chokr now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for September 24. Additionally, he faces separate charges in Oakland County, where prosecutors have filed two counts of ethnic intimidation related to the synagogue incident. A court date for these charges is set for June 24, potentially adding to his legal penalties.
“to follow through on his menacing threats against parents and preschoolers as they walked into a place of worship.” – US Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr
The FBI Detroit Field Office has emphasized their zero-tolerance approach to threats against religious communities. Federal authorities have underscored their commitment to protecting Americans’ right to worship without fear of intimidation or violence. This case demonstrates the serious consequences for individuals who attempt to circumvent gun laws, particularly when combined with threatening behavior targeting religious or ethnic groups.