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The suspect asserted he was exercising his free speech rights and expressed hostility toward Jews, according to police.
By Shula Rosen
A 32-year-old man was arrested in Miami Beach after allegedly confronting a Jewish father and his children with antisemitic slurs and threats, prompting the father to draw a firearm in what police determined was self-defense, CBS News reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Stillwater Park as the father and his two young children were leaving the area.
According to police, the suspect approached the family and asked about their religion.
After they identified themselves as Jews, the man reportedly began shouting slurs and berating them.
Investigators said the situation escalated when the suspect continued yelling and threatening violence.
The father told officers he repeatedly instructed the man to back away before ultimately displaying a firearm to protect his children.
The suspect briefly retreated but returned shortly afterward and resumed the confrontation before leaving the scene.
Police later located and arrested the suspect, identified as Ahmad Zeeshan, near 84th Street and Hawthorne Avenue.
Authorities said multiple 911 calls reported a dispute involving a firearm.
During the arrest, body camera footage shows the suspect asking, “For what reason?” Police said Zeeshan also contacted authorities, claiming the father had pulled a gun on him after being asked if he was Jewish.
While in custody, the suspect asserted he was exercising his free speech rights and expressed hostility toward Jews, according to police.
Miami Beach police spokesperson Christopher Bess told CBS the conduct crossed into criminal behavior.
“The moment you threaten to physically attack someone, the moment you convey antisemitic slurs in front of kids and charge someone, you’re breaking the law, and we made an arrest,” Bess said.
Authorities said the father will not face charges, concluding he acted to protect his children. Officials also noted the suspect may have been experiencing mental instability.
The case remains under investigation.
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