Miami Beach Man Charged in Shooting of Israeli Men
MIAMI BEACH, FL – A disturbing shooting incident occurred on February 15 in the upscale area of Pine Tree Drive, when Mordechai Brafman, a 27-year-old man, allegedly opened fire on two individuals he misidentified as Palestinians. The victims, who are Israeli nationals, were injured but fortunately not killed.
Details of the Incident
According to the Miami Beach Police Department, Brafman is seen in surveillance footage prior to the shooting. It shows him making a U-turn in a black pickup truck before firing on the victims’ vehicle. The police report indicates that Brafman fired seventeen shots at the victims, who were not known to him.
Witness Accounts
Residents in the vicinity expressed shock at the rapid response of law enforcement following the incident. “Look at all the police,” remarked one neighbor, while another added, “Pretty intense.”
Immediate Aftermath
Surveillance footage captured the moments immediately following the shooting, showing the victims fleeing from the scene in panic after sustaining gunshot wounds. They parked their car nearby, where they assessed their injuries and sought assistance.
Arrest and Charges
Brafman was apprehended shortly after the incident at a nearby location, where he was taken into custody by responding officers. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Interestingly, prior to this incident, Brafman had publicly called for unity in the community, following incidents of antisemitism, which he had condemned.
Victim Testimony
One of the victims, identified as Ari Rabi, described his harrowing experience during the shooting. “I was just waving my hands and crying out, ‘Help me, help me, help me,’” he recounted.
Clarification of Identity
It’s crucial to note that the individuals targeted were not Palestinians, as Brafman initially claimed, but rather a Jewish father and son visiting from Israel, who sustained injuries to their arm and shoulder as a result of the shooting. Fortunately, neither victim suffered life-threatening injuries.
Current Status of the Suspect
Brafman is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade, awaiting further legal proceedings.
For updates on this ongoing case, stay tuned to local news reports.