A Margate resident has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple firearm offenses and planning attacks against Jewish and Black Americans. John Kevin Lapinski, Jr., 41, received a 300-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith.
Lapinski admitted to charges including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a person subject to a court order, possession of an unregistered silencer, and possession of body armor by a violent felon.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire in Lapinski’s neighborhood on October 31, 2024. Officers determined that Lapinski was the shooter despite being legally prohibited from owning firearms. A search of his home led police to five firearms, over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, two silencers, body armor, smoke grenades, tactical gear such as a Ghillie suit, and accessories for firearms.
Investigators also found maps marked with racial slurs targeting Black and Jewish communities. There was also a “target list” naming individuals and sites based on race and religion. Targets included synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, local schools and parks, as well as the home and vehicle of a Jewish resident that had previously been shot at in August 2024.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said: “This defendant stockpiled weapons, tactical gear, and detailed attack plans to terrorize Jewish and Black Americans in our communities. His intent was not abstract—it was written on his maps, his targets, and his so-called hit list. Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his plan never became reality. Instead of carrying out acts of racist violence, he will spend the next quarter-century behind bars. Let this sentence serve as a warning: hate-fueled violence will be met with decisive federal prosecution. We will disrupt your plans, seize your weapons, and ensure you never endanger the people of this District again.”
The case involved efforts from the FBI Miami Field Office; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division; Margate Police Department; ATF; FBI; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton.
Further details about the case can be accessed through the Southern District of Florida’s website at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-60224.
Updates are available at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
