In a concerning incident, a suspect who allegedly opened fire outside of a synagogue in Albany, New York, has been identified and arrested, according to federal officials. The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, a U.S. citizen born in Iraq.

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon outside Temple Israel, where Alkhader reportedly fired two shots with a shotgun. Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins confirmed that no injuries were reported in the attack. Witnesses stated that Alkhader was making threatening statements while firing his weapon.

During the attack, Alkhader allegedly shouted "Free Palestine," indicating potential motives behind the incident. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco & Explosives task force reported that Alkhader also mentioned being impacted by events in the Middle East.

Following the shooting, Alkhader fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement authorities. He has been charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The swift coordination between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, Albany Police Department, and New York State Police contributed to Alkhader's arrest.

The investigation is currently being treated as a hate crime, although specific charges against Alkhader have not yet been disclosed. Chief Hawkins mentioned that Alkhader claimed to feel victimized, further complicating the motive behind the attack. The Temple Israel building, formed in 1949 through the merging of two synagogues, sustained no damage during the shooting.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the incident in her statement, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of Jewish communities. She expressed her immediate directive to increase patrols and security measures at at-risk sites such as synagogues, yeshivas, and community centers during the ongoing Hanukkah holiday.

Thursday marked the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, prompting increased vigilance. Governor Hochul reiterated her commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers, referencing previous security efforts following attacks on religious communities.

Mufid Fawaz Alkhader is currently in custody and will have an initial appearance at U.S. District Court in Albany in the coming days. The United States Attorney's Office is expected to release more information regarding the charges.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions and the need for continued efforts to combat hate crimes. Authorities remain vigilant, and the community stands united against acts of violence and discrimination.