Chicago Police Department (CPD) released images of two suspects wanted for attacking two Jewish students near DePaul University on Wednesday afternoon, an incident that law enforcement has classified as an “assault/assault.” It is described as a “hate crime.”
CPD said the incident occurred while two students were demonstrating support for Israel in Lincoln Park near DePaul University.
“During this incident, the assailant became abusive to the victim and made anti-Semitic remarks before repeatedly punching the victim,” CPD said.
Josh Weiner, co-founder of the Jewish Federation of Chicago, said one of the victims, a former Israeli Defense Forces member, held up a sign identifying him as a victim and invited conversation, but the victim The two men say they know each other and have spoken before. According to Reuters, he has been working with them since the incident.
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Chicago police released images of two suspects wanted for attacking two Jewish students near DePaul University on Wednesday afternoon, an incident that law enforcement has classified as an “assault/hate crime.” ” is expressed as. (Chicago Police Department)
The suspects are described as two males, both approximately 20 years old and weighing between 150 and 170 pounds.
The first suspect was wearing a black balaclava that covered his face, a white T-shirt, and khaki pants. His height is between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 11 inches.
The second suspect is described as having a beard and short black hair with shaved sides. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and black shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8261.
University President Robert Manuel said the incident occurred in front of the student center around 3:20 p.m., prompting a security alert for faculty, staff, and students.
Pro-Israel demonstrators at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus in Chicago engaged anti-Israel demonstrators during a two-week encampment on campus in May. (Alex Wrobleski/AFP via Getty Images)
“I am appalled to share that two Jewish students at DePaul University who were clearly in support of Israel were targeted in an attack,” Manuel said Thursday.
The two students reportedly refused treatment for their injuries.
“I am outraged that something like this happened on our campus. It is completely unacceptable and violates DePaul's values of protecting and caring for the dignity of every individual,” Manuel said in a statement. ” he said.
The university provides care and resources to students and collaborates with the Chicago Police Department.
“We will do everything in our power to hold accountable those responsible for this outrageous incident,” he added.
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Following the attack, DePaul said the university “continues to do everything possible” to ensure it is a “safe and welcoming” university for all members of its “diverse university community.” said.
“We recognize that for a significant portion of our Jewish community, Israel is a core part of their Jewish identity,” Manuel said. “Those students, and all students, should feel safe on our university campuses. The expectations and guidelines we share make it clear that DePaul does not tolerate acts of hate or violence. ”
“Please know that the safety and well-being of our university community remains our top priority,” Manuel concluded.
Police cleared an anti-Israel camp at DePaul on May 16 after citing several threats during the university's two weeks as an active demonstration site. (WFLD)
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DePaul University was one of many schools at the center of anti-Israel protests across the country earlier this year.
Chicago police removed an anti-Israel encampment from University Plaza on May 16, after more than two weeks of protests shut down all green spaces.
Reuters contributed to this report.
