Miami — A federal grand jury has indicted Forrest Kendall Pemberton, 27, of Gainesville, for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish pro‑Israel non‑profit organization in Florida.
According to prosecutors, the attempted attack occurred on December 23, 2024, when Pemberton armed himself with an AR‑15‑style rifle equipped with a silencer and traveled to the organization’s office. Authorities say he intended to target employees specifically because of their Jewish identity.
The indictment includes three charges: attempted hate crime, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a short‑barreled rifle. If convicted, Pemberton faces life in prison for the hate crime charge, up to 30 years for the firearm offense, and five years for possession of the short‑barreled rifle.
The case was announced by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including FBI Miami, the ATF Miami Field Office, and local police departments in Gainesville and Tallahassee.
Officials emphasized that the indictment reflects a coordinated effort to prevent acts of antisemitic violence and protect Jewish communities across Florida.
Key Points
- Defendant: Forrest Kendall Pemberton, 27, Gainesville.
- Incident date: December 23, 2024.
- Target: Jewish employees at a pro‑Israel non‑profit.
- Weapon: AR‑15 rifle with silencer.
- Charges: Attempted hate crime, firearm use in violent crime, possession of short‑barreled rifle.
- Penalties: Life in prison (hate crime), 30 years (firearm), 5 years (rifle).
- Agencies involved: DOJ Civil Rights Division, FBI, ATF, Gainesville PD, Tallahassee PD.
Credit: Tampa Free Press
Subscribe to the JFN WhatsApp Channel
