Miami Beach police arrested Christopher Martinez on October 7, 2025, after authorities said he pointed an object resembling a handgun at a rabbi outside a Jewish synagogue near 12th Street and Alton Road.
According to the arrest report, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. The rabbi was standing outside the synagogue when Martinez allegedly approached him while yelling erratically. Police said Martinez pointed what appeared to be a silver pistol at the rabbi and was heard mumbling the words “murder” and “Jew.”
Police said the rabbi feared for his life during the encounter. According to the report, Martinez subsequently lowered the object and walked away from the area.
A juvenile witness later identified Martinez to a police officer near a bus stop on Alton Road. Officers detained him and subsequently determined that the object allegedly used in the confrontation was a butane lighter designed to resemble a handgun rather than an actual firearm.
Martinez was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and prejudice, according to jail records. The case included a hate-related component based on the alleged circumstances of the encounter and the statements attributed to Martinez.
Miami Beach police Sergeant Melissa Rodriguez described Martinez as a habitual offender and said he had more than 80 prior arrests in the city. Rodriguez also said Martinez had previously been involved in incidents in which he allegedly pointed imitation firearms at people.
During a bond hearing on October 8, 2025, a judge found probable cause for the hate-related assault charge and set bond at $25,000. The judge also ordered Martinez to stay away from the rabbi, the rabbi's home, school, and workplace.
Martinez was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center following the hearing. The allegations against him had not been adjudicated at that stage, and an arrest and criminal charge did not establish guilt.
The incident occurred during a period in which the Jewish community in South Florida was receiving heightened attention concerning security and threats against Jewish institutions. The specific criminal case concerned the alleged confrontation outside the Miami Beach synagogue and the object police said was used during it.
