Person of Interest in Custody in Attack Against 2 Jewish Students at DePaul University
Introduction to the Incident
A person of interest is in custody in an attack last November against two Jewish students at DePaul University. Chicago police did not provide additional details about the arrest. The attack happened on Nov. 6 outside the DePaul student center in the 2200 block of North Sheffield Avenue in Lincoln Park.
Details of the Attack
Max Long and Michael Kaminsky were outside the student center when they were approached and attacked by two men wearing black face masks, according to Chicago police. The incident was being investigated as a hate crime.
Response from the Victims and Their Representatives
“Max and Michael are thankful that one of the assailants has finally been apprehended and they look forward to seeing justice be served,” The Lawfare Project, which is representing the students, said in a statement. “We expect that the Chicago Police Department will apprehend the second suspect shortly, and that both assailants will be charged — very appropriately — with hate crime offenses by the State’s Attorney, who will prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
Lawsuit Against DePaul University
Long and Kaminsky filed a lawsuit against DePaul earlier this month, alleging the university was negligent and failed to protect their safety while on campus. Long suffered a concussion, and Kaminsky fractured his wrist during the attack, the complaint says. A DePaul Public Safety officer was also present but failed to intervene, according to the lawsuit.
Reaction from the University and Students
“Jewish students should feel safe on their own campus,” Kaminsky said at a news conference announcing the suit. “When universities infringe upon these rights, accountability must be demanded.” The university has condemned the attack, saying “such an act clearly defies DePaul’s values to uphold and care for the dignity of every individual.”
Context and Broader Implications
The attack took place several months after pro-Palestinian students erected an encampment on DePaul’s campus, following a national trend that saw students call for an end to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. The Trump administration has targeted students who had been involved with pro-Palestinian activism or speech, with a few high-profile detentions of students including Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was a leader of protests at Columbia University in New York.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish students on campuses and the need for universities to ensure their safety and well-being. The apprehension of a person of interest in the attack is a significant step towards justice, and the lawsuit against DePaul University underscores the importance of accountability.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the two Jewish students at DePaul University?
A: Max Long and Michael Kaminsky were attacked by two men wearing black face masks outside the DePaul student center on November 6.
Q: Is the incident being investigated as a hate crime?
A: Yes, the Chicago police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Q: What actions have the victims taken against DePaul University?
A: Long and Kaminsky have filed a lawsuit against DePaul, alleging negligence and failure to protect their safety on campus.
Q: How has DePaul University responded to the incident?
A: The university has condemned the attack, stating that it defies DePaul’s values to uphold and care for the dignity of every individual.
