Jewish Link readers can help press Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to urge Judge Gregory Carro to give would-be synagogue attacker Matthew Mahrer an appropriate sentence.
Background: Mahrer and co-conspirator Christopher Brown were arrested in Penn Station in November 2022 after Brown announced on social media an imminent attack on a synagogue. Police found among their possessions an illegal, enhanced loaded gun which the two had bought from ex-con Jamile Hakime for $650, an 8-inch knife, body armor, ski mask and Nazi swastika patch.
On Nov. 13, Brown was sentenced to 10 years state prison plus five years probation. Earlier, Hakime was sentenced to federal prison for selling the illegal gun. On Jan. 22, 2025, New York State Supreme Criminal Court Judge Gregory Carro is scheduled to sentence Mahrer. The plea deal worked out could send Mahrer away for 3 1/2-15 years for possession of the gun and ammunition.
Mahrer lives with his parents around the corner from Congregation Ohab Zedek in Manhattan. His parents have mounted a campaign to represent him as a troubled young man who became Brown’s follower. Mahrer, now 24, was a 22-year-old adult when he participated in the planning of what was to be a deadly attack on a New York City synagogue. He must be held accountable for his actions. He conspired with Brown, bought the enhanced, illegal gun and stashed it in his bedroom.
Please take out a few moments now to call D.A. Bragg’s office at (212) 335-9000 or email him at [email protected]. Urge him to press Judge Carro to apply a meaningful sentence reflecting the seriousness of Mahrer’s intent and culpability in the deadly plot to attack a synagogue with Brown, which, based on all reports, was on the cusp of being actualized.
Our voices are heard when we raise them. And, of course, pass on this message to anyone you believe will respond.
