A man declared guilty of firing shots into a crowd of people outside a bar near the Kansas University campus was sentenced to more than four years in prison Friday afternoon.

Police said Joseph Muhammad fired shots March 26 outside the Hawk, near 14th and Ohio streets. Two KU students and a student from the University of Chicago were injured by the gunfire.

Muhammad, 23, pleaded no contest in November to three felony counts of felony aggravated assault for the crimes, which his attorney said were fueled by alcohol use.

Douglas County District Judge Michael Malone sentenced Muhammad to 53 months in prison on Friday.

Before his sentence was handed down, Muhammad asked for forgiveness for his crimes and said he had turned to religion.

“God has opened my eyes,” Muhammad said. “I’ve pulled out all good out of this.”

Malone said he received several letters from the community, which painted Muhammad as a “goal-oriented” and “considerate” person.

“Mr. Muhammad was and I believe will be a person who can be a positive influence in our community,” Malone said. “But, he’s committed a very violent, a very dangerous crime and must receive a penalty for that.”