FL Man Threatens To Kills Muslims In Canton Township: Feds

CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A Florida man is facing charges after federal prosecutors said he threatened to kill members of an American Muslim organization in Canton Township.

Michael Shapiro, 72, of West Palm Beach, was charged with three counts of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison on each count.

Shapiro called the CAIR's Michigan office, located in Canton Township and left three separate voicemails last December, according to federal prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Shapiro specifically targeted the organization because of the actual and perceived religion and national origin of the people who work at and are assisted by CAIR, which is a non-profit that aims to enhance the understanding of Islam and other social services.

The threats began on Dec. 8, 2023 when Shapiro left a voicemail with the following threat, "I’m going to kill you bastards. I’m going to kill you bastards," according to federal prosecutors.

Six days later, Shapiro called the office again and left another voicemail, according to federal prosecutors.

"I’m going to kill you m****r f*****g bastards. Muslims! I’m going to kill you m****r f*****s. I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you!"

Shapiro called the office again the next day and left a third voicemail, according to federal prosecutors.

"You’re a violent people. Why do you come to America? Why do you come to Europe? M***** f******. You’re violent. You’re killers. You’re rapists. I’m going to kill you m****r f*****s!"