Meriden Mosque Shooter Enters Plea

Ted Hakey Jr. pleaded guilty Thursday to destruction of religious property after he was arrested for shooting at an unoccupied mosque in Meriden shortly after the Paris terrorist attacks.

Hakey, 48, of Meriden could serve up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

“A core mission of the Justice Department is to protect every person against racially, religiously and ethnically motivated violence and intimidation,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Individuals who commit hateful, divisive and violent acts against others in violation of federal law will be prosecuted. ”

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10

Related: Former Marine Charged with Shooting at Connecticut Mosque

Hakey lived next door to the mosque and fired several rounds using his high-powered rifle during the early morning hours of Nov. 14, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. He was arrested in December.

No one was injured in the attack because the mosque was unoccupied at the time. Members of the mosque went to pray Nov. 15 and noticed dust on the floor. They also found a bullet and called police. Agents found another bullet upon further investigation.

Investigators determined that the bullets were fired from Hakey’s yard, which is a few hundred yards away. Law enforcement officers seized about 24 firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, a bulletproof vest and several electronic devices from his home.

Read the full Record-Journal story here.