(WWJ) - A man from Florida was indicted for repeated threats to the Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, authorities said.
72-year-old Michael Shapiro, of West Palm Beach, was charged with three counts of “transmitting threats in interstate commerce,” a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
“The indictment also alleges that Shapiro intentionally selected the victim of his threats because of the actual and perceived religion and national origin of the people who work at and are assisted by CAIR,” the statement said.
U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said that the charges stem from three separate phone calls made to the CAIR office in Canton. The following threats were left in voicemails.
• December 8, 2023: “I’m going to kill you bastards. I’m going to kill you bastards.”
• December 14, 2023: ““I’m going to kill you m****r f*****g bastards. Muslims! I’m going to kill you m****r f*****s. I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you!”
• December 15, 2023: “You’re a violent people. Why do you come to America? Why do you come to Europe? M***** f******. You’re violent. You’re killers. You’re rapists. I’m going to kill you m****r f*****s!”
“Today’s charges should serve as a warning that those who threaten violence, especially when they intend to instill fear on an entire community, will be identified, investigated, and aggressively prosecuted,” Ison said.
“Threats motivated by religious bias can have a devastating impact on an entire faith community,” Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, said. “For this reason, hate crimes are one of the FBI’s highest investigative priorities.”
"The Canton Police Department extends sincere thanks to the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office for their partnership in addressing threats by Michael Shapiro against the CAIR Michigan Chapter,” Canton Police Department Chief Chad Baugh said. “Such collaborative efforts reinforce our commitment to combating hate crimes and ensuring community safety. We are resolute in our mission to uphold the safety and rights of every individual."
Shapiro faces up to 10 years in prison for each count if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Canton Police Department.
People can report any suspected hate crimes to their local police department or the FBI at 800-225-5324. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.