DOJ charges man (Not a Columbia student) with hate crimes over Columbia protests

[Zincwarrior]

Fed DOJ has charged a non-student with three charges of hate crimes against Jewish students and people. Texts show he was happy to find out he had family members in HAMAS. I did not see if he was a US citizen.

https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5289733-doj-columbia-university-protests-hate-crimes/?tbref=hp

The Department of Justice is charging a 20-year-old with hate crimes after he allegedly assaulted Jewish people with connections to Columbia University during protests this year and last against the war between Israel and Hamas.

Tarek Bazrouk was arrested and charged with three counts of hate crimes Wednesday after the government says he assaulted Jewish people, including two Columbia students, in three separate incidents.


“As alleged, on three separate occasions, Tarek Bazrouk deliberately targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Gaza war,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a press release.

“Despite being arrested after each incident, Bazrouk allegedly remained undeterred and quickly returned to using violence to target Jews in New York City. This Office is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of hate crimes and will aggressively prosecute those who spread bigotry and discrimination through violence,” Clayton added.

The first incident happened April 15, 2024, when Bazrouk — who is not identified as a Columbia student — was arrested by officers during a protest and on his way to the police vehicle allegedly kicked a Jewish student, who was wearing a kippah and carrying an Israeli flag, in the stomach.

On Dec. 9, Bazrouk reportedly punched a Jewish student in the face after stealing an Israeli flag from the victim’s brother. And the last incident occurred Jan. 6, when Bazrouk allegedly punched another Jewish person in the face.

 

[martybegan]

Fed DOJ has charged a non-student with three charges of hate crimes against Jewish students and people. Texts show he was happy to find out he had family members in HAMAS. I did not see if he was a US citizen.

https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5289733-doj-columbia-university-protests-hate-crimes/?tbref=hp

Looks like the feds will have to do the job that should have been done by the local DA.