Man Convicted of Hate Crime for 2023 Shooting Incident at SF Synagogue

Dmitri Mishin, 53, was convicted this week of six counts of interference with religious worship with a hate-crime enhancement, stemming from an incident at the Schneerson Center in San Francisco. On February 1, Mishin entered the synagogue and discharged blank rounds from a replica firearm while addressing elderly attendees in Russian. Before leaving, he reportedly stated, "Say hello to the Mossad," heightening fears among witnesses, who characterized the act as a terrorist attack. Following his arrest two days later, authorities uncovered posts linked to Mishin that celebrated Nazi ideology, including a photo of him in a military-style uniform. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins highlighted the pervasive impact of antisemitism and reiterated a commitment to combating hate crimes.

Assistant District Attorney Abigail Adams commended victims for their bravery in testifying. Mishin's sentencing is set for August 29, raising concerns about the ongoing threat of hate-driven violence. The case underscores the importance of community vigilance and legal action against hate crimes.