A Florida man faces attempted murder charges after shooting 17 rounds at two Israeli tourists he mistakenly believed were Palestinian in a violent case now being reviewed for hate crime enhancements. Police confirm Mordechai Brafman, 27, targeted the victims—Israeli nationals visiting Miami—in an unprovoked Saturday attack near parallel lanes.
Before opening fire, witnesses report Brafman abruptly blocked the victims' vehicle with his truck.
Saw two Palestinians... shot and killed both,authorities cited in their arrest affidavit detailing Brafman’s alleged confession.
- Victim 1 sustained a left shoulder gunshot wound
- Victim 2 suffered a grazed left forearm
- No prior relationship between parties confirmed
Florida’s unique hate crime statutes allow sentence amplification rather than standalone charges. The Miami State Attorney’s Office is evaluating whether the shooter’s explicit racial targeting meets thresholds for penalty escalation.
This incident coincides with rising anti-Arab and anti-Semitic violence nationally. Federal agencies reported a 63% surge in related hate crimes earlier this month. Legal experts emphasize Florida’s precedent-setting 2023 decision to enhance sentences for crimes motivated by political hatred could influence Brafman’s March 10 arraignment.
Court records show the defendant remains jailed without bond as investigators reconstruct his movements preceding the attack. Neighbors describe Brafman as increasingly confrontational about Middle Eastern geopolitics in recent weeks.