Introduction to the Incident
Two Syracuse University students have been charged with burglary as a hate crime after one of them allegedly threw a bag of pork into a Jewish fraternity house as people gathered to observe Rosh Hashanah, police said Wednesday.
The two 18-year-olds were also charged with one count of criminal nuisance in the incident about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Zeta Beta Tau house, Syracuse police said.
University Response
Allen Groves, chief student experience officer for Syracuse University, called it a “deeply troubling incident" in a message to the campus community Tuesday night.
“Tonight’s incident as reported to us is abhorrent, shocking to the conscience and violates our core value of being a place that is truly welcoming to all,” he said. “It will not be tolerated at Syracuse University.”
Details of the Incident
One of the accused students entered the frat house and threw the bag of pork inside while the second drove the vehicle that they then used to flee, Groves said. Both were apprehended by police soon afterward, he said.
Syracuse police said the two students were detained and charged after consultation with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
The bag of pork was thrown into the fraternity house as members were eating dinner on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year and observed over two days. It is the beginning of the High Holidays.
An emailed request for comment sent to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office was not immediately returned on Wednesday night.
Legal Action and Response
District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said that the case is being treated seriously, and he said Zeta Beta Tau is a known Jewish fraternity, NBC affiliate WSTM of Syracuse reported.
“This incident is not a foolish college prank and will not be treated as such. It will be treated for what it is, a crime directed against a group of Jewish students enjoying a celebratory dinner and seemingly secure in their residence,” Fitzpatrick said, according to the station.
A suspected motive was not released in statements by the police or university.
Conclusion
The incident at Syracuse University highlights the importance of addressing hate crimes and ensuring a welcoming environment for all students. The university and law enforcement have taken swift action, charging the students involved with burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to understand the motivations behind the incident and to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: What happened at Syracuse University?
A: Two students were charged with burglary as a hate crime after throwing a bag of pork into a Jewish fraternity house during Rosh Hashanah.
Q: What were the students charged with?
A: The students were charged with burglary as a hate crime and one count of criminal nuisance.
Q: What was the response from the university?
A: The university called the incident “deeply troubling” and stated that it will not be tolerated.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The case is being treated seriously by the District Attorney’s Office, and the students have been detained and charged.
