Increased law enforcement presence will be visible in and around Ohio State University’s campus after two reported incidents targeting the Jewish community were reported within 24 hours.
Following both incidents, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said hate has no place on college campuses or anywhere in Ohio.
“These are despicable acts, and as Governor, I will ensure that the State continues our efforts to protect all Ohio students,” DeWine said in a statement.
DeWine said he instructed the Ohio State Highway Patrol to coordinate efforts with Ohio State University Police Department and Columbus police for extra patrols in the area around Ohio State’s campus.
“These patrols will begin immediately and will assist in ensuring the students and public in and around the university area safe,” DeWine said.
In a message to the Ohio State community sent Friday morning, acting President Peter Mohler said the university unequivocally denounces antisemitism, hatred and violence.
Mohler’s statement said the two incidents include vandalism at the OSU Hillel building.
The OSU Hillel organization posted on its social media accounts that the incident happened Thursday morning at the OSU Hillel Wexner Jewish Student Center building, 46 E. 16th Ave.
According to the organization’s statement, two people entered the building, shouted anti-Israel statements and threats and vandalized Israeli flags in the building’s lobby. The people also reportedly took photos inside.
Columbus police, the agency investigating the incident, said a report was taken. That report says two females went into the building, saying they wanted to look around. Because the building is secure, someone at the front desk allowed them inside after their request.
“Once inside, one female stood by the front door while the other went into a room and began taking small Israeli flags,” the report said. “When confronted by staff, the female ran out the door.”
The female who was inside the room then yelled obscenities, as well as “You support genocide” and “Free Palestine,” according to the report.
Both females then ran to a car that was waiting, driven by a male, and the vehicle fled the area. The female that had been holding the flags dropped them while leaving the building, the report said.
OSU Hillel said the building has cameras both inside and outside the building, which captured the incident. That video footage has been turned over to police.
The second incident resulted in two students being assaulted near 15th Avenue and High Street. Mohler’s statement said one student was treated for injuries at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center and then released.
According to a public safety notice issued by the university Friday afternoon, the assault took place around 1:30 a.m. Friday.
The university said the two students were approached by two unknown males near Smashburger, 1840 N. High St. The suspects yelled a derogatory term and assaulted the two students. During the assault, the suspects reportedly asked if the students were Jewish.
“It is early in both investigations and at this point it is unclear if Ohio State students are responsible for either of these incidents,” Mohler said in his statement. “When the perpetrators are identified, Ohio State will take every measure available under the law and university policy.”
Earlier this month, City Attorney Zach Klein said he was instructing his office, which prosecutes misdemeanors, to have zero tolerance for any hate-crime related case. Anthony Pierson, deputy chief counsel for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office and a candidate to succeed Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack in 2024, expressed similar sentiments for how felony cases would be handled.
Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel and the Israeli response as it affects civilians in Gaza, there has been an increase nationally in anti-Semitic rhetoric and threats.
Protests have taken place in Columbus near the Statehouse, as well as a large presence and disruptions to a recent Columbus City Council meeting. A group of protesters has a planned presence at the upcoming council meeting on Monday, with the stated goal of “shutting down City Council” while demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
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Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
