A person of interest connected to threats of antisemitic violence at Cornell University is in custody, according to New York officials.
On Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Law enforcement has identified a person of interest in relation to threats of a mass shooting and antisemitic violence at Cornell University. This individual is currently in New York State Police custody for questioning.”
“When I met with Cornell students yesterday, I promised them we would do everything possible to find the perpetrator. Public safety is my top priority and I’m committed to combatting hate and bias wherever it rears its ugly head,” she added.
When I met with Cornell students yesterday, I promised them we would do everything possible to find the perpetrator. Public safety is my top priority and I'm committed to combatting hate and bias wherever it rears its ugly head.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 31, 2023
Hochul’s post comes after threats against Cornell’s Jewish community were made over the weekend.
The university’s student paper reported the posts included threats to shoot Jewish students at the school’s kosher dining hall.
Additionally, other messages encouraged students to harm Jews.
Cornell’s president, Martha E. Pollack said in a statement Sunday, “Earlier today, a series of horrendous, antisemitic messages threatening violence to our Jewish community and specifically naming 104 West — the home of the Center for Jewish Living — was posted on a website unaffiliated with Cornell.”
The university’s police department also said it was investigating the threats.
After the terrorist organization Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel left over 1,400 people dead, and amid Israel’s war with Hamas, reports of antisemitic acts have soared around the world.
The Anti-Defamation League reports there has been a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic acts in the U.S. since Oct. 7.
