Ann Arbor police probe hate crime against Jewish teen
- A 19-year-old man was assaulted in Ann Arbor after confirming he was Jewish.
- The police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, with a dedicated detective assigned.
- Local authorities and the University of Michigan are committed to ensuring safety and combating antisemitism.
On a Sunday morning around 12:45 a.m., a 19-year-old man was assaulted in Ann Arbor after being approached by a group of men who inquired about his religious background. When he confirmed that he was Jewish, the group attacked him before fleeing the scene. The victim reported the incident to the police later that afternoon, suffering only minor injuries and not requiring hospitalization. The Ann Arbor police department has assigned a hate crimes detective to investigate the matter thoroughly. Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre C. Anderson emphasized the department's commitment to combating hate and ethnic intimidation, stating that there is no tolerance for such behavior in the city. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the University of Michigan police to enhance safety measures in the community. The police are determined to investigate this incident and any similar occurrences rigorously. In response to the assault, University of Michigan President Santa Ono expressed concern for the safety of the campus community and reiterated the university's stance against antisemitism and bias-motivated actions. He urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in holding the perpetrators accountable. The incident has raised awareness about the need for vigilance against hate crimes, particularly in university settings. The collaboration between the university and local police aims to foster a safe environment for all students and community members, ensuring that such acts of violence are addressed promptly and effectively.