A federal judge in Fort Lauderdale has ruled that 41-year-old John Lapinski must remain in custody, citing his violation of federal gun laws and the grave danger he poses to public safety.
Lapinski, who has been the subject of an ongoing investigation, faces a range of charges after disturbing items, including firearms and a hit list targeting Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz, were uncovered at his Margate home.
The investigation into Lapinski began on October 31, when neighbors reported gunfire near his residence around 6 a.m. Authorities discovered shell casings outside the home, which Lapinski shares with his sister. Lapinski was taken into custody for a mental health evaluation under the Baker Act, and during subsequent searches of his home, law enforcement found a significant cache of weapons and other alarming materials.
Among the 42 items seized from Lapinski’s home were multiple firearms, homemade ghost guns, silencers, body armor, approximately 3,000 rounds of ammunition, smoke grenades, firearm accessories, and spent shell casings.
In addition to the weapons, investigators discovered a “hit list” that included Jewish schools, houses of worship, and the name of Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz, who represents Florida’s 23rd district. One entry on the list had been crossed out, with the words “Got him” written next to it. Authorities also found a hand-drawn map and a materials list for carrying out an attack, according to court documents.
Lapinski had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He now faces charges of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, with investigators citing the evidence as indicative of imminent threats.
Rep. Moskowitz, who won reelection in November, confirmed that Lapinski had been arrested near his home. In a post on social media, Moskowitz expressed concern, stating that Lapinski was “a former felon who was in possession of a rifle, a suppressor, and body armor.”
In addition to the weapons and ammunition, the discovery of racist materials and violent threats, including the targeting of a sitting congressman, has raised further alarm. Prosecutors argue that the evidence suggests Lapinski’s willingness to act on his alleged threats. The court ruled that Lapinski poses a significant threat to public safety and ordered him held without bond pending trial.
If convicted, Lapinski faces over 40 years in prison.
