Man Arrested After Pointing Fake Gun at Rabbi Outside Miami Beach Synagogue While Shouting Anti-Semitic Slurs

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Police arrested a man accused of threatening a rabbi with what looked like a handgun and yelling anti-Semitic slurs in front of a Miami Beach synagogue.

Authorities say Christopher Martinez, 44, confronted the rabbi around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near 12th Street and Alton Road. According to investigators, Martinez was “screaming and behaving erratically” as the rabbi exited the synagogue.

Police said Martinez pointed what appeared to be a silver pistol at the rabbi’s face while muttering the words “murder” and “Jew.” The rabbi, dressed in traditional Jewish clothing, feared for his life. Martinez eventually lowered the weapon and walked off, but the rabbi followed from a distance and alerted nearby officers.

Martinez was arrested moments later while trying to board a bus. Officers discovered the weapon was actually a butane lighter designed to resemble a handgun.

“This was another act filled with hate,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Officer Christopher Bess, noting that the incident happened on a busy street and comes nearly two years after the October 7 attacks in Israel.

During his bond hearing, Judge Mindy S. Glazer remarked, “His fake pistol looked like a real pistol, and he threatened to kill the rabbi.”

Martinez faces aggravated assault with a firearm with prejudice, a hate crime enhancement. His bond was set at $25,000, and he has been ordered to stay away from the synagogue and its rabbi.

Police also revealed Martinez’s extensive criminal history. According to Miami Beach Police Sgt. Melissa Rodriguez, he has been arrested more than 80 times. Earlier this year, he was accused of damaging a smoke shop while armed with a knife and faced multiple charges, including aggravated assault.

The rabbi was described as “very shaken” by the incident. He did not provide a statement as he is currently observing the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.