Columbia Protester Indicted for Hate Crimes, Hamas Link

Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old New York native, was indicted on three federal hate crimes after physically assaulting Jewish individuals during protests related to the Israel/Gaza war, including at events near Columbia University. Federal court documents and a DOJ press release reveal Bazrouk was a member of a chat group receiving direct updates from Abu Obeida, the Hamas al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson, marking the first documented case of a U.S. university protester acting on instructions from Hamas. Bazrouk, who self-identified as a 'Jew hater,' wore Hamas-associated headbands, claimed family ties to the group, and expressed intent to commit violence, including contemplating setting a student on fire. He was not affiliated with Columbia but participated in campus protests and was arrested near the university in December 2024. Columbia University condemned the violence and antisemitism, reiterating Bazrouk had no connection to the institution. The NYPD reported that professional outside agitators, including Bazrouk, contributed to illegal building takeovers and prompted police intervention on campus.