The Justice Department has indicted a 20-year-old for a hate crime, stemming from alleged assaults on Jewish individuals connected to Columbia University during protests against the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2024.
Tarek Bazluk was arrested and charged with three counts of hate crimes on Wednesday, following accusations that he attacked a Jewish person.
“On two occasions, Tarek Bazluk deliberately targeted Jewish persons during protests related to the Israel/Gaza conflict,” stated Attorney Jay Clayton.
“Although he was apprehended after each event, Bazluk reportedly continued to express anger and returned to violent actions against Jews in New York City. Our office is committed to pursuing justice for hate crime victims and to prosecuting those who perpetuate prejudice and violence,” Clayton continued.
The first incident took place on April 15, 2024, where Bazluk was detained by police at a protest. While being escorted to a police vehicle, a Jewish student wearing a kippa and holding an Israeli flag was allegedly kicked in the stomach.
On December 9, he reportedly punched a Jewish student after stealing an Israeli flag from the victim’s brother. The most recent incident occurred on January 6 of this year, where Bazluk allegedly struck another Jewish individual in the face.
The case has been assigned to District Judge Richard Berman.
Court documents reveal that Bazluk sent a text message identifying himself as a “Jewish hater,” stating that Jews were “unworthy” and expressing satisfaction in knowing that he had familial ties to Hamas.
Authorities noted that his phone conversations were filled with support for both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Each hate crime charge carries the potential for significant penalties, including up to 10 years in prison.
Bazluk’s arrest followed a larger event where approximately 80 pro-Palestinian activists were detained after clashing at the Columbia University library, injuring two employees in what became the largest protest the university has experienced this year.
