Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Making Hate Crime Threats against The Council on American-Islamic Relations (“CAIR”) Michigan Chapter

DETROIT – A Florida man pleaded guilty today to federal charges for repeatedly threatening the Council on American-Islamic Relations (“CAIR”) Michigan Chapter, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Chad Baugh, Chief of the Canton Police Department.

According to court documents, Michael Shapiro, 72, of West Palm Beach, Florida, placed three separate phone calls to CAIR’s office located in Canton, Michigan, and left voicemails containing the following threats:

•             December 8, 2023: “I’m going to kill you bastards. I’m going to kill you bastards.”

•             December 14, 2023: ““I’m going to kill you mother f*****g bastards. Muslims! I’m going to kill you mother f*****s. I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you!”

•             December 15, 2023: “You’re a violent people. Why do you come to America? Why do you come to Europe? Mother f*****s. You’re violent. You’re killers. You’re rapists. I’m going to kill you mother f*****s!”

For this, Shapiro pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Shapiro also admitted that he intentionally selected CAIR as the victim of his threats because of the actual and perceived religion and national origin of the people who work at and are assisted by CAIR.

“No one should be able to threaten violence and instill fear on an entire community. Today’s conviction should send a strong message that those who do so will be investigated, identified, and aggressively prosecuted,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.

"Michael Shapiro's guilty plea for threats motivated by religious bias underscores the FBI's unwavering commitment to protecting individuals from hate and intolerance," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "This conviction serves as a powerful demonstration of the serious consequences faced by those who engage in hate-fueled threats, sending a clear warning to others. The success of this case is a direct result of the strong collaboration between the FBI Michigan and the Canton Police Department. Law enforcement efforts are greatly bolstered by the community's support, including faith-based organizations, in addressing and preventing hate crimes. Together, we remain steadfast in our dedication to combating violence rooted in bias and will continue to promote safety, respect, and justice for all members of our diverse communities. This case unequivocally illustrates that acts of hate and intolerance are met with zero tolerance by the Michigan law enforcement community. Such offenses will be vigorously prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, exemplifying our unwavering commitment to justice and protecting all community members."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson.