Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz Alerted to Alleged Assassination Plot
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) reportedly recently survived a threat to his life, as local law enforcement uncovered a murder plot targeting him just before his re-election.
Shortly before securing re-election, Moskowitz was informed of a potential assassination plan against him, involving an armed individual with a disturbing manifesto, as Fox News reports.
The Margate Police Department made a critical arrest near Moskowitz's residence earlier this month. John Lapinski, a former felon, was detained with a rifle, suppressor, and body armor in his possession.
This alarming discovery came just as the local community prepared to head to the polls.
Arrest Made Amidst Election Tensions
The police briefed Moskowitz about the assassination threat, deeply concerning given its timing and the dangerous arsenal found with Lapinski.
According to Moskowitz, the law enforcement officials recovered a manifesto from Lapinski, which contained antisemitic comments and specifically listed Moskowitz as a target.
"The day before the election, I was notified by the Margate Police Department, located in my Congressional District, about a potential plot on my life. The individual in question was arrested not far from my home; he is a former felon who was in possession of a rifle, a suppressor, and body armor," Moskowitz shared in a statement.
Community and Political Response to the Threat
The threat against Moskowitz sparked immediate responses from fellow politicians and the community.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) expressed his solidarity and concern via Twitter, stating, "This is outrageous. Nobody should hurt Jared!" His reaction underscored the bipartisan concern for Moskowitz's safety.
The arrest of Lapinski by Margate Police led to charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, among other firearms-related offenses.
The swift response by local law enforcement and their coordination with federal agencies has been pivotal in handling this grave situation.
Wide-Ranging Investigation Involves Multiple Agencies
The investigation has expanded to involve various law enforcement agencies, including the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The ATF is reportedly leading the probe into this assassination attempt.
Margate Police, represented by Maj. Alain Banatte, have acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation, opting to withhold further comments to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
Moskowitz himself has also chosen to limit details released to the public to avoid interfering with the investigation.
Political Continuity Despite Personal Threat
In a testament to his resilience and dedication to public service, Moskowitz continued to engage in political activities.
Amid dealing with the personal threat, he congratulated Susie Wiles on her new role as chief of staff for President-elect Donald Trump.
"Congrats to @susie57! I worked with Susie in the DeSantis Administration. She is brilliant, tough, strategic. She will serve the country well," Moskowitz tweeted, highlighting his professional relationship with Wiles from their time in the DeSantis administration.
This incident sheds light on the increasingly perilous environment politicians navigate, accentuating the necessity for robust security measures and continued vigilance against threats to public officials.