Mordechai Brafman, 27, of Miami Beach, was arrested Saturday evening after firing upon another vehicle and injuring two individuals inside. The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. on Pine Tree Drive just north of 48th Street; according to an arrest report compiled by police later on Brafman claimed he opened fire because he “saw two Palestinians” inside. CCTV video captured Brafman driving south along Pine Tree Drive before making a U-turn at 48th Street before stopping directly in front of his victim’s left lane vehicle,e causing two people inside.
Once stopped, Brafman allegedly fired several shots into the car, striking two individuals and wounding both. Authorities quickly responded to the scene where Brafman had fired; authorities later arrested and charged him with multiple offences, including assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators believe his shooting may have been unprovoked since Brafman made statements suggesting an unlikely cause behind it rather than actual threats from victims.
Brafman’s statements created alarm over rising tensions and violence in the area, prompting police to investigate possible causes for the shootings. Both victims are currently recovering from their injuries while authorities look into potential motives behind it; specifically, race/ethnic motivation claims have drawn particular interest; authorities are closely reviewing this case due to these claims, while Brafman’s arrest has reignited debate on hate crimes while better understanding violence stemming from perceived ethnic or national identities. Contact us for Personal Bodyguard Services Today!