FBI investigating antisemitic threats against Jewish community at Cornell University

Gov. Hochul directs state police to step up security on campuses

NEW YORK - The FBI and local investigators are looking into antisemitic threats made against the Jewish community at Cornell University. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul met with Cornell students Monday, where she announced heightened security on campuses statewide after an increase in antisemitic threats at schools.

"I came here in person with one strong message that we will not tolerate threats, or hatred, or antisemitism, or any kind of hatred that makes people feel vulnerable," the governor said.

Hochul added she directed state police to increase security on campuses across the state. 

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Authorities say the online antisemitic posts toward Cornell students depicted graphic threats of murder, sexual violence and comparisons to animals. They were made on a discussion board unaffiliated with the school. 

According to Cornell's website, 22% of the student body is Jewish. 

University President Martha Pollack issued a statement calling the online posts "horrendous."

"Threats of violence are absolutely intolerable, and we will work to ensure that the person or people who posted them are punished to the full extent of the law," the statement read in part. "Our immediate focus is on keeping the community safe; we will continue to prioritize that."

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Hochul posted a message on social media Sunday, describing the threats as "disgusting and hateful."

The disgusting & hateful posts on a message board about Jewish @Cornell students is the latest in a series of concerning incidents on college campuses. While it is unclear if these are credible threats, @nyspolice is engaged & we’ll take any steps needed to keep students safe.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 30, 2023

New York Attorney General Letitia James said the posts are "absolutely horrific."

These threats targeting Jewish students at @Cornell are absolutely horrific.

There is no space for antisemitism or violence of any kind. Campuses must remain safe spaces for our students. https://t.co/JT9RfWGZ0b

— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 30, 2023

The FBI continues to investigate who posted the threats and if they're even credible. 

"The FBI is aware of the threats made to Cornell University's Jewish community. We take all threats seriously and are working closely with Cornell and our law enforcement partners at every level to determine the credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action," an FBI spokesperson told CBS New York. "We encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement. Nothing is more important than the safety of our communities and we will not tolerate violence motivated by hate and extremism."

Also in the New York City area Monday, Columbia University students plan to hold a rally at 2:30 p.m., calling on the school to support Jewish and Israeli students who say they are feeling unsafe on campus. 

In:
• Antisemitism

Elijah Westbrook

Elijah Westbrook is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. He joined CBS2 News and CBS News New York in January 2022.

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