BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A federal judge in Fort Lauderdale ordered 41-year-old John Lapinski to remain in custody Tuesday, citing allegations of violating federal gun laws and posing a danger to the community.
Authorities say the case against Lapinski began on Oct. 31, when neighbors in Margate reported gunfire near his home just after 6 a.m.
Responding officers found shell casings outside a side door of the residence Lapinski shares with his sister. He was subsequently Baker Acted, allowing for involuntary mental health evaluation.
Two search warrants executed at the home allegedly uncovered a cache of weapons and disturbing materials, including 3,000 rounds of ammunition, firearms — some homemade ghost guns and silencers — smoke grenades, body armor, and a paper target riddled with bullet holes and racial slurs.
Investigators said they also found a “hit list” that reportedly included Jewish schools, houses of worship, and the name of Jewish Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz.
One entry on the alleged hit list had been crossed out, with the words “Got him” written beside it, according to authorities.
Prosecutors stated that an unnamed individual listed had recently experienced gunfire at their Margate home and vehicle. Authorities also recovered a hand-drawn map and a materials list for carrying out an attack.
Lapinski’s prior criminal conviction and two domestic violence injunctions prohibit him from possessing firearms. Prosecutors argued he was not afraid to act on his hatred, pointing to the evidence as indicative of imminent threats.
The judge deemed Lapinski a significant risk to public safety and ordered him held without bond pending trial.
If convicted, Lapinski can spend more than 40 years in prison.