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Two Syracuse University students, Samuel Patten and Kyle Anderson, both 18, face hate crime charges after an incident at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house during Rosh Hashanah. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office announced the charges of burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance, emphasizing the religious motivation behind the attack.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (September 23) when Patten allegedly entered the fraternity house and threw a bag of pork, which splattered on the wall and floor. Pork is prohibited by Jewish dietary laws, making the act particularly offensive during the Jewish New Year celebration. Anderson is accused of driving Patten to and from the scene.
District Attorney William Fitzpatrick stated, "This incident is not a foolish college prank and will not be treated as such." Both students were arraigned in Syracuse City Court, where they pled not guilty and were held on $1,500 bail.
Syracuse University's Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves condemned the act, calling it "abhorrent" and "shocking to the conscience." The university has referred the students to its Office of Community Standards for disciplinary action.
The fraternity expressed its outrage, stating, "We are heartbroken and outraged by this hateful crime committed against our fraternity." The investigation is ongoing, and the district attorney plans to meet with the victims.