Suspect in custody following attack on 2 Jewish students at University of Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The FBI is investigating after a suspect was arrested in connection with an attack on two Jewish students on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh Friday.
The attack happened outside Pitt's largest landmark, the Cathedral of Learning. Pittsburgh police said two officers noticed a group waving for help on the Forbes Avenue sidewalk just before 6 p.m. local time.
Police reported two Jewish students were hit by a glass bottle. The students, both of whom were wearing yarmulkas, told police they were hit from behind — one in the neck, the other on his cheek.
One of them said he tackled the suspect to the ground.
According to police, 52-year-old Jarrett Buba was detained by one of the victims. Police say Buba struggled with them to avoid arrest, but they eventually handcuffed him.
Police said Buba was wearing a keffiyeh. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
In a statement, the university said that the suspect had no known affiliation to the school. The school's statement read that "neither acts of violence nor antisemitism will be tolerated."
"Antisemitism actually has no place here, especially at Pitt," Charlie, one Pitt student, said. "I think we've all got to learn to love each other."
The attack sent shockwaves through the Pitt community. Alyssa Tyndall said she and her roommates heard bits and pieces of what occurred through group chats.
"Our roommates got word from like group chats, and class group chats, and GroupMes," Tyndall said. "And we were all just trying to, like, get as much information as soon as possible, as fast as possible."
Many students told KDKA-TV that they were frustrated there were no alerts from the school's emergency notification system.
"When we don't get an official notification from the school, there's a lot of rumors going around," Monica Fazzolari, a second-year student at Pitt, said.
In its statement, the university noted that as there was an immediate arrest and no ongoing threat to the public, no emergency message was sent.
"Pitt doesn't take [attacks] as seriously as they should be," Pitt sophomore Reilly Odom said.
Odom is concerned about the school's response, but concerned about the attack in the first place.
"To see stuff like this happen, it's unreasonable, it's illogical, [and] it doesn't make any sense," Odom said.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey also commented on the attack.
"Sending prayers of comfort and healing to the Jewish, University of Pittsburgh students who experienced an unwarranted attack," he said. "Our universities should be spaces where everyone feels safe to learn and welcomed to be their authentic selves. We will continue to extend our support to Pitt Police and local authorities as it is our hope to eradicate any act of violence in our city. CommUnity, may we remember that only love and understanding can drive out hate and violence."
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh issued its own statement Saturday.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is collaborating with law enforcement and deeply appreciates their swift response, as well as the support provided by the University. We are deeply committed to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community. No Jewish student should be afraid or be under threat of violence while walking on or near campus. There is no place for antisemitism, hate or violence in our community. And while we are saddened by this, we are grateful the ongoing collaboration with Hillel JUC, our university leaders, and law-enforcement.
Pittsburgh Councilperson Erika Strassburger, who represents District 8, also issued a statement as well.
Acts of violence, antisemitism, and anti-Jewish hate have no place in our City.
Yesterday's attack on Jewish students at the Cathedral of Learning is deeply troubling and stands in stark contrast to the values we share as Pittsburghers.
As classes begin at our universities, it is our collective duty to ensure every student, regardless of race or religion, feels safe, secure, and welcomed. Hate has no place in Pittsburgh.
The Hillel Jewish University Center's statement can be read below.
We appreciate the outpouring of support. It is still unimaginable that a group of Jewish students and staff were walking from a Hillel JUC event in Oakland to the Hillel JUC building for Shabbat dinner when they were attacked by an individual with a bottle.
Law enforcement was immediately notified, two students were treated at the scene, the individual involved was arrested, and there is an ongoing investigation.
The University of Pittsburgh has clearly and unequivocally condemned this attack. There is no room on campus for antisemitism, hatred or violence.
The safety of our Jewish students remains a priority, and we will continue to be a home away from home for them, providing them with care, support and community.