FBI Investigates Potential Antisemitic Hate Crime at Cornell University as President Biden Expresses Concern
In the wake of multiple threats targeting the Jewish community at Cornell University, the FBI has launched an investigation into a potential antisemitic hate crime. These threats were posted on a website “unaffiliated” with the university, according to a letter sent by Cornell University President Martha Pollack to the community on Sunday.
The online messages, which emerged over the weekend, specifically targeted the Jewish community at Cornell. One of the posts even mentioned the Center for Jewish Living, which houses the kosher dining hall, and threatened violence against Jewish students. The Cornell Daily Sun, the university’s student newspaper, reported that one post threatened to shoot Jewish students on campus, while another urged violence against them.
In response to these alarming threats, President Pollack confirmed that the FBI is treating the incident as a potential hate crime. The FBI, in a statement to ABC News, emphasized that they are taking the threats seriously and working closely with Cornell and other law enforcement agencies to determine their credibility and take appropriate investigative action. They have urged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it immediately to law enforcement.
This incident is part of a broader trend of antisemitism on college campuses, according to the White House. In an effort to combat hate speech at educational institutions, the departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Education have been mobilized. President Joe Biden himself expressed deep concern about the rise in antisemitism during an interview with ABC News. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the administration is fully committed to countering antisemitism and making it easier for students facing discrimination to report it.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, rising antisemitism on college campuses has become an even more pressing issue. John Kirby, the spokesman for the National Security Council, underscored the gravity of this concern on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” noting that it is imperative to address the surge in antisemitism on college campuses.
Following the tragic terror attack in Israel on October 7, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have been sharing public safety information with campus law enforcement. Additionally, the DOJ has expedited the handling of antisemitic complaints within its Civil Rights division. The conflict between Israel and Hamas claimed the lives of over 1,400 individuals, according to Israeli officials, and resulted in more than 8,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul visited Cornell University’s Center for Jewish Life on Monday and held a news conference alongside President Pollack. Governor Hochul stated emphatically that the safety of students is paramount, and threats targeting the Jewish community will not be tolerated.
Law enforcement officials are actively working to identify the individuals responsible for the antisemitic posts, according to Governor Hochul. She further emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who engage in hate crimes and other unlawful actions.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed horror and disgust at the antisemitic messages targeting Jewish students at Cornell. The ADL’s New York and New Jersey chapter reassured Cornell students and parents that law enforcement was responding swiftly to the situation. They also commended President Pollack for condemning the threats unequivocally.
As the investigation continues, the FBI, Cornell University, and law enforcement agencies at all levels are resolute in their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Jewish community at Cornell and combating hate and extremism in all its forms.
ABC News’ Molly Nagle and Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.