An anti-Israel demonstrator wept in California on Friday as a judge arraigned her on charges of threatening to kill a public official at a city council meeting.
Ridhi Patel, 28, directed comments against Bakersfield City Council member and Republican Mayor Karen Go for not supporting the Gaza ceasefire resolution against Israel and for installing metal detectors in City Hall. He later sobbed as he pleaded not guilty to 18 felony charges.
Patel was ordered to post $1 million bail and stay at least 500 yards from City Hall.
Patel claimed in the public comment section of Wednesday’s City Council meeting that oppressed minorities want to guillotine city government employees, declaring that even Jesus Christ would kill them and killing them in their homes. He was seen on video threatening to go to the police station and threaten to kill him.
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Ridhi Patel, 28, was charged with eight counts of threatening state officials and 10 counts of making terroristic threats. (Kero)
The activist accused council members of being indifferent to the oppression of Palestinians and people in other parts of the world, and later expressed hope that the “global South” would rise up and execute them.
“This holiday that we practice, and that others in the Global South practice, is a reminder that we believe in violent revolution against the oppressors, and that someday someone will take the guillotine. I hope it comes and kills you all, mother–,” she said.
Patel later criticized the mayor and city council for installing additional security measures such as metal detectors inside the building, calling it an attempt to “criminalize” protesters.
Pro-Palestinian protester Ridhi Patel threatened to kill Bakersfield City Council members and the mayor at a recent city council meeting. (Screenshot/Government Feed)
She ended her speech with a final declaration: “I’ll meet you at your house and I’ll kill you.”
Anti-Israel protester charged with threatening California mayor and city council member: ‘I’ll kill you’
After Mr Patel finished his speech, Mr Goh called on police present at the rally to escort the protesters out of the building.
Patel was arrested and charged with eight counts of intimidation of state officials and 10 counts of making terroristic threats.
On Friday, a judge set Patel’s bail at $1 million. (Kero)
Patel grew up in Bakersfield and works as an economic development coordinator for a local nonprofit, the newspaper said. Los Angeles Times.
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Mr Patel is scheduled to return to court on April 24.
FOX News’ Gabriel Hayes contributed to this report.
