Two Jewish University of Pittsburgh Students Injured, Suspect Arrested

On the evening of August 31, a disturbing incident unfolded near the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning when a man, identified as 52-year-old Jarrett Buba, attacked two Jewish students. The assailant was seen wearing a keffiya and wielding a glass bottle during the assault.

University officials described the attack, which took place around 6 p.m., as “appalling.” The students were targeted while walking in the area, and it has been confirmed that Buba had no known affiliation with the university.

In response to the attack, the university reached out to the Hillel University Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to report the incident. Officials from Pitt acknowledged the unsettling nature of such acts of violence and antisemitism within their community.

“While there is not believed to be any ongoing threat to the public stemming from this incident, we recognize that incidents like these are unsettling to our Pitt community,” the officials stated.

Both students were wearing yarmulkes at the time of the incident and reported making eye contact with Buba as he sat at a table across Forbes Avenue. Initially, they did not consider it a threat. The attack happened swiftly, with Buba striking the students from behind.

One of the students sustained facial injuries, while the other suffered cuts on his neck. Fortunately, both received treatment at the scene. In a display of bravery, one student managed to tackle Buba and hold him down until law enforcement arrived.

When police attempted to take Buba into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest and continued to put up a struggle. He was eventually subdued and placed into a police vehicle, where he initially provided several false names before revealing his true identity.

As the investigation unfolded, university police began gathering evidence and statements from witnesses. Local and federal law enforcement agencies are supporting the Pitt Police as they look into the matter further.

Fall classes had just commenced at the university, coinciding with the Labor Day weekend, a time when many students were preparing to leave for a three-day holiday. The timing of this violent incident raised additional concerns within the Pitt community, as students were shocked to learn about the attack while engaging in their regular campus activities.

The university’s response to the incident emphasizes their commitment to fostering a safe environment for all students. School officials reiterated that neither violence nor antisemitism will be tolerated on campus, sending a clear message that such actions have no place within the university community.

While the immediate danger seems to have passed, the unsettling nature of this event has left a mark on the campus atmosphere. Students and faculty alike are left to reflect on the implications of such violence occurring in an academic setting, where safety is expected.

As the investigation continues, both university officials and the larger community are awaiting further updates regarding the measures that will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all students moving forward.

Source: UPI