Federal prosecutors have indicted 27‑year‑old Forrest Kendall Pemberton of Gainesville for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at a pro‑Israel advocacy group. Authorities say he attempted to attack what he believed was AIPAC's Plantation office on Dec. 23, 2024, while armed with an AR‑15‑style rifle and a silencer. Investigators tracked his movements via cellphone geolocation, say he planned to volunteer to gain access, and arrested him after a Dec. 26 interview. If convicted, he faces life in prison plus additional consecutive terms for weapons offenses.
Florida Man Indicted After Alleged Plot To Attack Jewish Employees At Pro‑Israel Group
Federal prosecutors allege Forrest Kendall Pemberton attempted to carry out a shooting at an office belonging to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.(Getty Images)
Forrest Kendall Pemberton, 27, of Gainesville, has been federally indicted after authorities say he attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at a pro‑Israel advocacy organization, the Justice Department announced.
Allegations and Timeline
Federal prosecutors say Pemberton is charged with an attempted hate crime, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a short‑barreled rifle. Prosecutors allege that on Dec. 23, 2024, he went to an office in Plantation, Florida, that he believed belonged to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and intended to open fire. The Palm Beach Post previously identified AIPAC as the apparent target, though court documents did not name the nonprofit.
Authorities say Pemberton was armed with an AR‑15‑style rifle fitted with a silencer. Investigators traced his movements using cellphone geolocation data and allege he planned to volunteer with the organization to gain access to its offices and commit the attack.
Events Leading To Arrest
According to charging documents, Pemberton left his home on Dec. 22, 2024, carrying two rifles and a pistol and left a note for his family. When he arrived at the building he believed to be AIPAC's headquarters the next day, the structure was empty.
The Justice Department indicted a Florida man for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at a pro-Israel nonprofit organization.
Law enforcement became involved after Pemberton's father contacted the Gainesville Police Department, concerned about his son's disappearance. Police later stopped Pemberton in Tallahassee on Dec. 25 while he was driving a rideshare vehicle; no arrest was made at that time. Authorities subsequently located an abandoned pickup truck on the side of a road. Pemberton allegedly told officers he was en route to Alabama to deliver a gun to an acquaintance. His father was notified, traveled to Tallahassee, and brought him back to Gainesville.
On Dec. 26, 2024, Pemberton agreed to speak with investigators and was asked whether he had intended to commit an act of violence. He allegedly replied, "Um, I really don't know if I was gonna end it with my life or not. I hadn't gotten that far yet. It entirely depended if I ended up getting caught. If caught, that was the way out." He was arrested the following day.
Charges And Potential Penalties
If convicted, Pemberton faces up to life in prison on the attempted hate crime count, a mandatory consecutive sentence of up to 30 years on the firearm count, and up to five years for possession of a short‑barreled rifle.
Context
Critics of AIPAC say the organization supports the policies of conservative Israeli governments, including settlement expansion in the West Bank and robust military operations, and opposes placing conditions on U.S. military aid. The indictment and ensuing reporting have drawn attention to concerns about politically motivated violence and antisemitic threats in the United States.
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, The Palm Beach Post. Media outlets have sought comment from AIPAC.
Help us improve.
