Six Charged with Hate Crimes in Attack on Jewish Student in Pittsburgh

Authorities say the group made antisemitic statements before assaulting the victim.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered glass object, such as a broken window or a damaged religious symbol, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of sudden violence and a gritty, investigative aesthetic without depicting any literal violence.A harsh, close-up image of the aftermath of an antisemitic attack exposes the disturbing reality of hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans.Today in Pittsburgh

Six people have been arrested and charged with federal hate crimes after an attack on a Jewish student at the University of Pittsburgh. The group is accused of targeting the student, making antisemitic statements, and physically assaulting him in an incident that occurred in September 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of antisemitic violence and hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans, particularly on college campuses. The charges brought by federal authorities demonstrate a commitment to prosecuting such incidents and protecting the rights of religious minorities.

The details

According to the 23-page indictment, the six defendants - Muhammed Koc, Omar Alshmari, Abraham Choudhry, Emirhan Arslan, Ali Alkhaleel, and Adeel Piracha - are accused of targeting the Jewish student after noting he was wearing a Star of David necklace. The group allegedly made antisemitic statements like "I hate Jews, and I hate Israel" before Koc punched the victim in the face and Alshmari struck him, causing bodily injury.

  • The attack took place just after 2 a.m. on September 27, 2024.
  • The six defendants were arrested by the FBI on March 30, 2026.

The players

Muhammed Koc

A 27-year-old Pittsburgh resident charged with assaulting the victim.

Omar Alshmari

A 28-year-old Monroeville resident charged with assaulting the victim.

Abraham Choudhry

A 22-year-old Monroeville resident charged in the incident.

Emirhan Arslan

A 24-year-old McKees Rocks resident charged in the incident.

Ali Alkhaleel

A 19-year-old Pittsburgh resident charged in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Arslan categorically denies the allegations in the indictment and looks forward to his day in court.”

— Frank C. Walker II, Attorney for Emirhan Arslan

What’s next

The six defendants will face trial in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing need to combat antisemitism and hate crimes targeting religious minorities, especially on college campuses where students should feel safe and welcome regardless of their faith.