Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crimes After Shooting Two Jewish Men in Los Angeles
A former Riverside resident has agreed to plead guilty to hate crimes and firearm offenses. These charges stem from incidents where he shot and wounded two Jewish men as they left religious services in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles in February 2023. He faces serious legal consequences, including a significant prison sentence, under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
On the mornings of February 15 and 16, 2023, the defendant targeted and shot two Jewish men as they were leaving synagogues in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles. Both victims were wearing yarmulkes and had just attended religious services. The actions were driven by antisemitic beliefs, with the intent to kill both victims. The first shooting occurred on February 15, when he shot a Jewish man at close range in the back. The following day, February 16, he returned to the area and shot another Jewish man at close range as the victim crossed the street. Both victims survived the attacks.
Arrest and Charges
Law enforcement arrested the defendant on February 17, 2023. He has remained in custody since his arrest. He has been charged with two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. These charges carry severe penalties, including a potential life sentence for each count. He has agreed to plead guilty to all charges.
Details of the Crimes
The defendant is charged with two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill under federal law. His antisemitic beliefs led him to commit these acts of violence. His history of making threats and hate-filled statements towards Jewish individuals included escalating violent language and actions. On February 15, 2023, he shot a Jewish man leaving a synagogue in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles. The next day, February 16, he shot another Jewish man leaving a synagogue in the same area. Both shootings were motivated by his intent to kill the victims because of their Jewish faith.
The defendant also faces two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence under 18 U.S. Code § 924(c). Despite being prohibited from purchasing firearms due to previous mental health holds, he acquired two firearms through a third party in January 2023. He paid approximately $1,500 in cash for these firearms. He used these firearms in the commission of the hate crimes on February 15 and 16, shooting the two Jewish men as they left religious services. The firearm offenses carry severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment for each count.
Plea Agreement
Tran has agreed to plead guilty to all charges against him, which include two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Under the plea agreement, he is expected to receive a prison sentence ranging between 35 and 40 years. This agreement takes into account the severity of the crimes and his willingness to plead guilty to all charges.
Chronology of Events Leading to the Crime
2018
The defendant left dental school after making antisemitic statements about fellow students, indicating the early signs of his antisemitic beliefs.
August to December 2022
His antisemitic threats and behaviors escalated. He sent increasingly violent messages to a former classmate, including death threats. In November 2022, he emailed antisemitic propaganda to two dozen former classmates, further escalating his hateful rhetoric.
January 2023
Despite being prohibited from purchasing firearms due to previous mental health holds, he illegally acquired two firearms through a third party in Phoenix. He selected the firearms and paid approximately $1,500 in cash.
February 15, 2023
He conducted the first shooting incident. He researched locations with a “kosher market” online and targeted a Jewish man leaving a synagogue in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles. He shot the victim at close range in the back and then fled the scene.
February 16, 2023
He returned to the Pico-Robertson area and committed a second shooting. He targeted another Jewish man leaving a synagogue, shooting him at close range as the victim crossed the street. He again fled the scene after the shooting.
February 17, 2023
Law enforcement arrested him, and he has remained in custody since his arrest.
Evidence Against the Defendant
- History of Antisemitic Statements and Threats: His documented history of making antisemitic statements and threats towards Jewish individuals establishes a clear motive for the hate crimes.
- Illegal Acquisition of Firearms: His procurement of firearms through a third party, despite being prohibited due to mental health holds, demonstrates premeditation.
- Planning and Execution of Shootings: His detailed planning, including researching locations with kosher markets and targeting individuals leaving synagogues, shows intent and deliberation in committing the shootings.
Defense Considerations
Since he has agreed to plead guilty to all charges, the defense’s primary role will be limited. However, they might still present:
- Mental Health Defenses: Highlighting his history of mental health issues to potentially influence sentencing.
- Mitigating Factors: Presenting any mitigating circumstances related to his psychological state at the time of the crimes to seek a more lenient sentence within the agreed range.
Jaime Tran, 29, will receive a prison sentence ranging from 35 to 40 years, If the plea agreement is accepted. This sentence reflects the severity of the crimes while also taking into account his agreement to plead guilty to all charges.