Man accused of firing shots at Conn. mosque to face judge

Meriden, CT — A man from Meriden, Connecticut, accused of firing shots at a mosque following the Paris attacks, is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Ted Hakey, Jr., 48, looked down the scope of a high-powered rifle and fired four bullets at the Baitul Amam Mosque, according to investigators.

The mosque is located right next door to his home on Main Street.

Court documents said police recovered 18 shell cases in his yard, all matching the bullets found inside the mosque.

Leaders at the mosque said they've already forgiven Hakey.

"These are hate-filled crimes," said Zahir Mannan, a mosque youth leader. "We're sorry he wasn't able to come to hour mosque, the house of peace and learn about the true teachings of Islam."

The documents also said they found two dozen guns, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and a bullet proof vest in his home.

After a night of drinking, investigators said Hakey claimed he was aiming at a wood pile and repeatedly told police he had no ill will toward his neighbors at the mosque.

On the day of the shooting, the FBI said Hakey sent a text message.

"If the Muslims attack over here again, it's over for them," he wrote. "Americans will snap and play cowboys and Muslims. It will get ugly."

If Hakey is convicted of intentionally damaging religious property, he faces 20 years in prison.