Jewish students attacked at University of Pittsburgh

Jewish students were attacked by a man with a bottle at the University of Pittsburgh on Friday. According to the local news site Tribe Live, two students were injured in the attack and a suspect was arrested. A statement released by university spokesman Jared Stonesifer said: “The alleged perpetrator, who has no known Pitt affiliation, was immediately arrested by Pitt Police and is in custody. “Two students were treated at the scene.” The university described the attack, which took place near the Cathedral of Learning, as “appalling.” Its leadership, on learning about the incident, had contacted the Hillel centre “to offer support to our students and also connected with our partners at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh,” the statement said. “We are grateful to our Pitt Police officers for their swift action, and our Student Affairs team for their ongoing student support.” The statement added: “While there is not believed to be any ongoing threat to the public stemming from this incident, we recognise that incidents like these are unsettling to our Pitt community.” The university’s counselling centre was “available to any student needing support, and Life Solutions is available to all faculty and staff members. More information regarding the incident and additional resources will be provided as they become available.” The attack comes as tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas war grow on US campuses. Anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place on US campuses including at the University of Pittsburgh. In April 2023, campus and city police responded to false active shooter reports at the university’s campus. The university added: “To be clear: neither acts of violence nor antisemitism will be tolerated. “Local and federal partners are supporting Pitt Police in this ongoing investigation.” Classes at the University begin on Monday for the autumn term.

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