“As a result of Alkhader’s actions, Temple Israel was forced to cancel a planned concert and candle lighting ceremony to celebrate Chanukah that evening, and its congregants were afraid to return to their place of worship,” the Justice Department said.

Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights, stated that the department “stands firmly against anti-Semitism and all hate crimes.”

The shooting “was unfortunately emblematic of the anti-Semitic violence, rhetoric and practices that have swept this country over the last few years,” stated John Sarcone, acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York.

“This year, the Justice Department has emphatically said—through its words and actions—no more,” he said. “My office, with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our powers to make sure everyone in the Northern District of New York can exercise their right to practice their religion without fear of violence and hatred.”

In October, Andrew Miller, 38, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for purchasing the shotgun illegally for Alkhader.