A 30-year-old man, Jaime Tran, was sentenced on Monday to 35 years in federal prison for his role in the shooting of two Jewish individuals outside synagogues in Los Angeles. Tran pleaded guilty to multiple hate crime charges, including attempting to kill both victims and using a firearm during violent crimes. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the severity of these antisemitic actions, warning that they not only endanger individuals but also pose a risk to democratic principles.

The incidents occurred in February 2023 when Tran fired at two men, both wearing yarmulkes, as they exited their religious services in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood. Prosecutors revealed that Tran exhibited a long history of antisemitic rhetoric, expressing desires to harm Jewish individuals in messages to former classmates. His behavior escalated over the years, culminating in the violent assault of two men who were simply practicing their faith.

In a troubling trajectory, Tran’s fixation with antisemitism dated back several years. He had previously been expelled from graduate school due to making hateful remarks and had communicated violent threats against Jewish peers. Despite being barred from purchasing firearms due to mental health issues, Tran managed to acquire weapons through illegal means, raising significant concerns about public safety and the rising incidence of hate crimes within the community. Local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, acknowledged the widespread fear the shootings instigated among the Jewish populace and affirmed their commitment to combating hate-driven violence.