Suburban man charged with anti-Semitic hate crime attack on DePaul campus

Prosecutors have recently filed hate crime charges against a Hoffman Estates man named Adam Erkan, alleging that he was involved in an attack on DePaul University students who were expressing support for Israel. The incident took place last year, and video footage reportedly captured Erkan arriving on DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus in a vehicle before the attack occurred.

According to prosecutors, Erkan put on a ski mask and approached a student who was wearing a pro-Israel shirt and carrying a sign inviting discussions about Israel with an Israel Defense Forces soldier. After a conversation, one of Erkan’s companions allegedly knocked the student unconscious, and Erkan himself intervened by pushing another DePaul student to the ground.

As a result of the attack, student Max Long claims to have suffered a concussion, while another student, Michael Kaminsky, alleges that he suffered a broken wrist. Chicago police investigators were able to identify Erkan as a suspect after his father confirmed his presence at the school in a car owned by him. Surveillance images released by CPD also assisted in identifying Erkan and another suspect involved in the incident.

Prosecutors have requested that Erkan be detained until his trial on two counts of hate crime and two counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. The judge presiding over the case, Judge James Costello, agreed to the request despite Erkan having no prior criminal record.

This case sheds light on the importance of addressing hate crimes and violence on college campuses. DePaul University, where the incident took place, has faced scrutiny for its handling of the situation, with students demanding better safety measures and support for victims of such attacks.

As the trial progresses, it will be crucial to see how justice is served for the victims and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

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