A Margate resident, John Kevin Lapinski, Jr., has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison following a conviction for multiple firearm offenses. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith handed down the 300-month sentence after Lapinski, 41, pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered silencer.
Authorities responded to a report of gunshots on October 31, 2024, in a residential neighborhood in Margate. Police identified Lapinski—who was legally prohibited from possessing firearms—as the shooter. During their investigation at his home, officers found a shooting target depicting a Black male with multiple bullet holes. A search revealed five firearms, over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, two silencers, body armor, smoke grenades, and tactical gear.
Investigators also discovered maps marked with racial slurs and attack plans aimed at Jewish and Black community members. The materials included a list identifying groups and locations based on race and religion. Among the targets were local synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and a Jewish member of Congress.
Further evidence connected Lapinski to an August 2024 shooting where bullets struck the home and vehicle of a Jewish resident.
“This defendant stockpiled weapons, tactical gear, and detailed attack plans to terrorize Jewish and Black Americans in our communities. His intent was not abstract—it was written on his maps, his targets, and his so-called hit list. Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his plan never became reality. Instead of carrying out acts of racist violence, he will spend the next quarter-century behind bars. Let this sentence serve as a warning: hate-fueled violence will be met with decisive federal prosecution. We will disrupt your plans, seize your weapons, and ensure you never endanger the people of this District again.” – U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI Miami Field Office https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/miami, and Margate Police Department https://www.margatefl.com/191/Police-Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton prosecuted the case.
Additional court documents are available through the Southern District of Florida’s website at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-60224.
