Gov. Hochul Announces Person of Interest in Custody Following Antisemitic Threats at Cornell University

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that a person of interest has been taken into custody following antisemitic threats made at Cornell University. The threats alarmed students on the university’s campus in Ithaca, New York, and put more national attention on the reported rise in antisemitism in the U.S. since the start of the war between Israeli and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Gov. Hochul said that New York State would do everything possible to find the perpetrator who threatened a mass shooting and antisemitic violence on campus. Earlier today, law enforcement identified a person of interest as part of the investigation and this individual is currently in the custody of the New York State Police for questioning.

The Anti-Defamation League said last Tuesday that preliminary data shows a nearly 400% increase in reported incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and other hate crimes since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

In response to the recent threats, Gov. Hochul has announced a series of steps to combat antisemitism on college campuses in New York. These steps include increased security measures, increased training for faculty and staff, and the creation of a task force to investigate and address incidents of hate and bias.

Joel M. Malina, vice president for university relations, thanked the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for their coordination in the investigation. He also said that Cornell University is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.