Columbia Agitator Pleads Guilty to Hate Crimes Against Jewish Individuals
NEW YORK CITY — Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old self-identified agitator with alleged connections to militant groups, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to multiple hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals during protests in Manhattan. His violent actions, which included physical assaults at demonstrations related to the Gaza conflict, have drawn widespread condemnation.
Background of the Case
Bazrouk’s guilty plea comes in the wake of a series of episodes occurring between April 2024 and January 2025, where he admitted to assaulting three Jewish men at various protests. These protests took place at locations including Columbia University and the New York Stock Exchange, amidst rising tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In startling courtroom remarks, Bazrouk directed his apology not to his victims but to the Palestinian community. “I am sorry. I am Palestinian and I participated in the protest to display my outrage… I should not have used violence. I hope my family and community can forgive me,” he stated.
Details of the Assaults
Prosecutors recounted distressing details of the incidents, highlighting Bazrouk’s aggressive behavior. On April 15, 2024, he kicked a man wearing a kippa who was waving an Israeli flag. He reportedly escalated his violence in subsequent protests, including a December incident where he punched another individual with an Israeli flag.
In January 2025, Bazrouk struck yet another victim at a protest, displaying a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks against Jewish individuals.
The Investigation and Evidence
Upon his arrest in May, federal agents uncovered a trove of evidence at Bazrouk’s residence. Authorities seized four knives, brass knuckles, and a replica firearm, alongside $750,000 in cash. Investigators also discovered Bazrouk’s involvement in a chat group linked to Hamas, where he reportedly made antisemitic remarks and expressed pride in family members fighting with the group.
His legal representation has denied any direct connection to Hamas, amidst serious accusations regarding his extremist views.
Potential Sentencing
Judge Richard Berman, overseeing the case, cautioned Bazrouk that he could face a maximum of five years in prison, along with supervised release and substantial fines. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 1.
Moreover, Bazrouk is entangled in two additional pending cases in state court related to similar incidents that occurred in December and January.
As this story develops, it underscores the critical issue of hate crimes in contemporary society, particularly against marginalized groups.
Updates to follow as the case progresses.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.