Florida hate crimes unit probes shooting of two Israelis thought to be Palestinians

Local prosecutors in Florida said on Tuesday their hate crimes unit was probing a shooting by a male suspect who, according to police, fired on two men he thought were Palestinians but turned out to be Israeli visitors, Reuters reported.

The Miami-Dade state attorney's office said its hate crimes unit "reviews every criminal offense that has the potential of being motivated by hate".

The website of Miami-Dade County Corrections says the suspect, 27-year-old Mordechai Brafman, was charged earlier with two counts of attempted murder and booked on Sunday for the shooting on Saturday.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava thanked prosecutors on X for "pursuing hate crimes charges".

Violence based in hate has no place in Miami-Dade. I thank @MiamiBeachPD for a swift arrest and @KathyFndzRundle for pursuing hate crime charges. Miami-Dade is proud to be a place rich in diversity—we must continue to confront hate in all forms & build a more tolerant community. https://t.co/Jiq4nrEPPZ

— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) February 19, 2025