Florida man indicted on charges tied to alleged plot at pro-Israel office

A Florida man has been indicted on charges including attempted hate crime and firearm offenses after federal prosecutors said he tried to carry out a shooting at a building he believed belonged to a pro-Israel lobbying organization. Forrest Kendall Pemberton, 27, of Gainesville, is charged with an attempted hate crime, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a short-barreled rifle.

Prosecutors said the attempt took place on December 23, 2024, at an office in Plantation.

Alleged planning and travel Investigators traced Pemberton using cellphone data.

Authorities said he left his home on December 22, 2024, carrying two rifles and a pistol after leaving a note for his family. He allegedly planned to volunteer at the organization to gain access. Pemberton was pulled over in Tallahassee on December 25, 2024, while driving a rideshare vehicle.

His abandoned pickup truck was later found on the side of a road. He told officers he was traveling to Alabama to deliver a gun.

Statements and arrest Pemberton was interviewed by investigators on December 26, 2024. During the interview he allegedly said he had not decided whether the incident would end with his life and that the outcome depended on whether he was caught. Pemberton was arrested the following day.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison on the attempted hate crime count, a mandatory consecutive sentence of up to 30 years on the firearm count, and up to five years on the possession count.