Hassan Chokr, a 37-year-old resident of Dearborn, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm following a series of alarming incidents that started with antisemitic threats made at a Jewish preschool in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on December 2, 2022. After verbally attacking parents and children with racist and antisemitic slurs, Chokr attempted to purchase multiple firearms while making menacing statements about using the weapons for violent purposes. His actions have led to criminal charges including ethnic intimidation at the state level and significant federal firearm violations, with sentencing scheduled for later in 2025.
Background of the Incidents
On December 2, 2022, Hassan Chokr entered a Jewish preschool in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he directed a series of antisemitic and racist slurs at both parents and children present at the facility. Eyewitnesses reported that his verbal attacks were aggressive and targeted the community specifically due to their ethnic and religious identity. These actions prompted immediate police involvement and initiated an investigation into possible hate crime charges in addition to other criminal offenses.
Federal Charges and Plea
Following these incidents, authorities discovered that Chokr attempted to purchase several firearms. During these transactions, he allegedly made threatening statements indicating an intent to use the weapons for violent acts. Given Chokr’s prior felony convictions, his possession and attempted acquisition of firearms violated federal laws. Consequently, he was charged federally with being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a recent court proceeding, Chokr pleaded guilty to this charge, acknowledging his unlawful possession of firearms despite his criminal record.
State-Level Charges and Legal Proceedings
In addition to the federal firearm charges, Chokr faces state-level charges for ethnic intimidation, reflecting the nature of his verbal attacks during the preschool incident. Michigan law classifies ethnic intimidation as a serious offense, especially when it involves threats or actions aimed at intimidating a group based on race or religion. Prosecutors have indicated that the evidence supports convictions for both the verbal threats and the subsequent attempts to arm himself. Sentencing for all related charges is scheduled for later in 2025, allowing time for the completion of ongoing legal processes.
Community Impact and Official Responses
The local community in Bloomfield Hills has expressed significant concern over the incident, highlighting the impact of hate-based threats on community safety and cohesion. Representatives from the preschool and local advocacy groups have condemned the antisemitic remarks and reiterated the importance of vigilance against hate crimes. Law enforcement agencies have also emphasized their commitment to prosecuting hate crimes rigorously and preventing firearm possession by individuals with a history of violence or hate-motivated offenses.
Next Steps and Sentencing Outlook
- The federal court will review the plea agreement and consider sentencing guidelines related to felon-in-possession charges.
- State courts will proceed with cases addressing ethnic intimidation and other related offenses.
- Additional court dates have been scheduled throughout 2025 to ensure comprehensive judicial assessment.
- Sentencing will take into account both the criminal record of Hassan Chokr and the severity of the hate-motivated conduct.
Observers note that this case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing hate crimes and preventing violence associated with firearm access by prohibited persons. Updates will be provided as new developments arise.
The case of Hassan Chokr highlights serious concerns surrounding hate crimes and illegal firearm possession. His guilty plea to federal charges, combined with state-level ethnic intimidation accusations, reflects a coordinated legal response aimed at addressing both violent threats and hate-motivated conduct. The upcoming sentencing in 2025 will consider the full scope of Chokr’s actions and prior criminal history. This incident has prompted strong community and law enforcement condemnation, underscoring the importance of vigilance and stringent enforcement to protect vulnerable populations and maintain public safety. Continued updates will follow as the judicial process advances.
