Margate man is sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after authorities uncovered a weapons stockpile and threats targeting Coral Springs congressman Jared Moskowitz
Miami, Florida – A Margate man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after authorities discovered a weapons stockpile and detailed attack plans targeting U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, local Jewish and Black communities, and other sites in southern Florida.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on August 29 that 41-year-old John Kevin Lapinski, Jr. received a 300-month sentence after pleading guilty to multiple firearm offenses, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered silencer.
Investigators said Lapinski’s arsenal included five firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, smoke grenades, body armor, and maps marked with racial slurs. Authorities also recovered a “target list” from his home naming Moskowitz, local synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and other community locations.
Days after Lapinski’s arrest in October 2024, Rep. Moskowitz, a Democrat representing parts of southern Palm Beach County and Broward County, said Margate police informed him that he was among those targeted.
In addition to the threats against the congressman and the broader community, investigators linked Lapinski to an August 2024 shooting that riddled a Jewish resident’s home and vehicle with bullets. Officials described the acts as part of a deliberate, hate-fueled plot.
“Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his plan never became reality,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. The prosecution emphasized that the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies were crucial in preventing a potential tragedy.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Margate Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton. Authorities stressed that the investigation highlights the importance of vigilance in stopping individuals motivated by hate before they can act.
Court documents detail that Lapinski had prepared extensively, with tactical gear, attack plans, and materials intended to carry out violence. Officials said the combination of weapons, planning, and targeting made him a serious threat to public safety.
The sentencing sends a clear message about the federal government’s approach to crimes motivated by racial, religious, and political hatred. Officials say the length of Lapinski’s sentence reflects both the severity of his actions and the potential danger he posed to the community.
Rep. Moskowitz and community leaders praised law enforcement for their response. The swift intervention not only prevented harm to targeted individuals but also underscored the importance of intelligence, coordination, and timely action in stopping acts of domestic terrorism.
Lapinski will serve his sentence in a federal prison, with authorities continuing to monitor any associated networks to prevent further threats.
