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Margate Man With 'Hit List' Targeting Black and Jewish Communities Sentenced to 25 Years

Prosecutors cited a weapons cache, maps, a list naming Rep. Jared Moskowitz as evidence of planned hate-based attacks.

John Lapinski, 41, of Margate, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on federal firearms charges after authorities found a "hit list" naming Black and Jewish Americans, including U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz. (Broward Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy)

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith imposed a 300-month federal sentence in Fort Lauderdale on Friday.
  • John Kevin Lapinski Jr., 41, pleaded guilty to 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.
  • Officers searching his home found five firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, two silencers, body armor, smoke grenades, a Ghillie suit, tactical gear, and maps of schools and parks scrawled with slurs.
  • Authorities said a 'target list' outlined attacks based on race and religion, naming Rep. Jared Moskowitz, synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and other identified sites.
  • The ATF, FBI, and Margate Police investigated the case, which also linked Lapinski to an August 2024 shooting that riddled a Jewish resident’s home and vehicle with bullets.