Six Men Charged With Hate Crime in Attack on Jewish Student

Alleged incident at University of Pittsburgh left student with injuries

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:11pm

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Six men ranging in age from 19 to 28 have been charged by a federal grand jury with hate crimes, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to obstruct justice in connection with an alleged attack on a Jewish student at the University of Pittsburgh in 2024. The Department of Justice says the incident turned physical, leaving the student with a split lip, headaches, and other bodily injuries.

Why it matters

Hate crimes targeting religious and ethnic minorities have been on the rise in recent years, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stronger enforcement of civil rights protections. This case highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in ensuring the security and well-being of diverse student populations.

The details

According to the DOJ, the six men were charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act for the alleged attack on the Jewish student. The charges could result in years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

  • The alleged incident occurred in 2024 at the University of Pittsburgh campus.

The players

University of Pittsburgh

A public research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing need for universities and law enforcement to vigilantly address hate-motivated crimes and ensure the safety and inclusion of all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.