Suspects Sought in Alleged Hate Crime Attack Near USC

Detectives continue investigation into 2023 assault on Turkish Consulate members

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Police are seeking the public's help in identifying four suspects believed to be involved in a 2023 attack on three members of the Turkish Consulate near the University of Southern California campus. The suspects allegedly yelled derogatory statements and physically assaulted the victims before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This incident is being investigated as a hate crime, raising concerns about intolerance and violence targeting specific ethnic or national groups in the area around USC. Identifying the suspects could help bring justice for the victims and shed light on the motivations behind the attack.

The details

According to the LAPD, the assault occurred on September 29, 2023, near Downey Way and Watt Way on the USC campus. The three victims, described as members of the Turkish Consulate, were walking through the area after a planned event when they were approached by a group of protesters. The four suspects allegedly yelled derogatory statements and then pushed, punched, kicked, and threw water at the victims before fleeing the scene. The victims left the area and sought safety, though the extent of their injuries was not released.

  • The assault occurred around 2:26 p.m. on September 29, 2023.

The players

Turkish Consulate

The victims in this alleged hate crime attack were described as members of the Turkish Consulate, suggesting they were representatives or employees of the Turkish government's diplomatic mission in the area.

LAPD Major Crimes Division

Detectives from the LAPD's Major Crimes Division are leading the investigation into this incident, which is being treated as a battery and criminal threats hate crime.

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What’s next

The LAPD is continuing its investigation and is seeking the public's help in identifying the four suspects involved in this alleged hate crime attack.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing need to address intolerance and violence targeting specific ethnic or national groups, particularly in diverse communities surrounding major universities like USC. Identifying the suspects and understanding their motivations could help inform efforts to promote greater understanding and prevent such attacks in the future.