A suspect is in custody after an attack on two Jewish students at the University of Pittsburgh on Friday evening. Pittsburgh police were alerted to the incident near the Cathedral of Learning when they observed a group signaling for help on the Forbes Avenue sidewalk just before 6 p.m. local time. The two students, wearing yarmulkes, were reportedly hit from behind with a glass bottle—one in the neck, the other on his cheek. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, one of the students managed to tackle the suspect to the ground, detaining him until police intervened.
Law enforcement identified the assailant as 52-year-old Jarrett Buba, who allegedly fought with officers before they could successfully handcuff him. Surveillance footage confirmed the students' account of the attack. Pittsburgh police noted that Buba was wearing a keffiyeh, a piece often associated with support for Palestine, as reported by TribLIVE. The FBI has been brought in to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime. This investigation is further supported by a criminal complaint revealing an attack with a glass bottle, leading to one of the students' hospitalization for possible concussion evaluation.
In response to the arrest, the University of Pittsburgh stated that such acts of violence and antisemitism will not be tolerated, and clarified that Buba has no known affiliation with the institution. "Antisemitism actually has no place here, especially at Pitt," a student named Charlie stated, as per CBS News Pittsburgh report. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey sent out prayers of comfort and healing to the students and emphasized that university campuses should be safe spaces for learning and authenticity.
Amid community reactions, Hillel Jewish University Center expressed gratitude for the support received and reiterated that the University of Pittsburgh had condemned the attack. Presently, Buba awaits his legal proceedings, held without bail at the Allegheny County Jail.
