Two Jewish students were assaulted by a masked assailant on the campus of DePaul University in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon, according to a letter from the school's president.
Robert Manuel said the incident occurred in front of the student center on the Lincoln Park campus around 3:20 p.m., and a security alert was issued for faculty, staff, and students.
“I am appalled to learn that the attack targeted two Jewish students at DePaul University who were clearly pro-Israel,” Manuel said.
The two students were punched by the gunman but refused treatment for their injuries.
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Two Jewish students at DePaul University were beaten by a masked assailant on campus Wednesday afternoon while they were “obviously showing support for Israel,” according to the university's president. (Jacek Bocharski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“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 is providing care and resources to the students and working with Chicago police to determine whether the attack can be classified as a hate crime.
“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. ”
Pro-Israel demonstrators at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus in Chicago engaged pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a two-week encampment on campus during May. (Alex Wrobleski/AFP via Getty Images)
Anyone with information about the attack or who has experienced any threats or violence can call Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop).
“Please know that the safety and well-being of our university community remains our top priority,” Manuel concluded.
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DePaul University was one of many schools across the United States that experienced a high level of pro-Palestinian demonstrations earlier this year.
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)
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.
