LANSING, Mich. — A 73-year-old man from Florida has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for leaving violent death threats targeting the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Michael Shapiro, from West Palm Beach, pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted to intentionally targeting the organization due to the religion and national origin of its staff members and those it serves.
According to court documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Shapiro made three separate calls to CAIR’s office in Canton, Michigan, leaving aggressive and threatening voicemails. The first call, placed on December 8, 2023, included the words: “I’m going to kill you bs. I’m going to kill you bs.” A second call on December 14, 2023, escalated with Shapiro shouting: “I’m going to kill you mother fg bs. Muslims! I’m going to kill you mother fs. I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you!” The final message, left on December 15, 2023, was equally hostile, with Shapiro saying: “You’re a violent people. Why do you come to America? Why do you come to Europe? Mother fs. You’re violent. You’re killers. You’re rapists. I’m going to kill you mother f*****s!”
Shapiro’s actions were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Canton Police Department, which worked together to identify him as the perpetrator. The investigation revealed that Shapiro specifically targeted CAIR due to its association with the Muslim community, which he falsely accused of violence and criminal behavior.
In a court hearing on December 3, 2024, Shapiro acknowledged that his threats were motivated by bigotry and prejudice. He admitted to deliberately seeking to intimidate CAIR employees and undermine the organization’s efforts to advocate for American Muslims.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by hate speech and the potential consequences of targeting individuals or groups based on their religion or national origin. As the sentence was handed down, the FBI reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting individuals who seek to spread fear through violent threats and intimidation.
CAIR, which has long advocated for the civil rights of Muslim Americans, praised law enforcement for their swift response in this case and reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the communities they serve.
Shapiro’s prison sentence, while relatively short, underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that foster hate and division. It also highlights the continued efforts to combat extremism and promote understanding in an increasingly diverse society.
