On April 17, 2025, Chicago authorities announced charges against a suspect in a hate crime attack targeting two Jewish students at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus. The incident, which occurred on November 6, 2024, has sparked outrage, raised concerns about rising antisemitism, and prompted discussions about campus safety and community relations. Below is a detailed account of the event, its context, and the ongoing developments.
The Incident: What Happened and When
On the evening of November 6, 2024, two Jewish students, Max Long and Michael Kaminsky, were assaulted while demonstrating in support of Israel on DePaul University’s campus. The attack took place during a campus discussion about the Israel-Gaza conflict, according to one of the victims. Two masked assailants approached the students, targeting them for their visible Jewish identity and pro-Israel stance. One of the victims, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was wearing a sign identifying himself as such, which may have contributed to the attackers’ motivation.
The assailants physically attacked the students, resulting in injuries including a concussion and a broken wrist. The injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening, and both victims received medical attention. The attackers fled the scene, leaving the students shaken and the campus community alarmed.
The Suspect: Who Was Charged and When
On April 16, 2025, Chicago police arrested Adam Erkan, a 20-year-old resident of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, in connection with the attack. Erkan was charged on April 17, 2025, with two counts of hate crime and two counts of aggravated battery with great bodily harm, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The charges reflect the antisemitic nature of the attack, as authorities determined that the victims were targeted due to their Jewish identity and perceived support for Israel.
A second suspect remains at large, and police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend the individual. Erkan appeared in court on April 17, 2025, and a judge ordered him detained pending further proceedings, citing the severity of the charges and the impact on the victims.
The Victims: Who They Are and Their Background
The victims, Max Long and Michael Kaminsky, are students at DePaul University. One of them, identified in reports as a former member of the IDF, had served in the Israeli military before enrolling at the university. The IDF, or Israel Defense Forces, is the national military of Israel, responsible for the country’s defense and security. It consists of ground, air, and naval forces and is a mandatory service for most Israeli citizens, which explains the victim’s prior involvement.
There is no definitive information confirming whether the victims are originally from Israel or are American citizens with ties to Israel. Their public demonstration in support of Israel, however, made their Jewish identity and political stance visible, which likely drew the attackers’ attention. It is unclear whether Long and Kaminsky knew each other prior to the incident, but they were together at the time of the attack, suggesting they may have been part of the same campus group or event.
The Motive
The attack was classified as a hate crime due to its antisemitic motivations. Authorities believe the assailants targeted Long and Kaminsky because of their Jewish identity and their public support for Israel, particularly highlighted by the former IDF member’s sign. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has fueled polarized debates and, in some cases, acts of violence against Jewish and Muslim communities in the U.S.
The victims were not reported to have provoked the attackers or engaged in any aggressive behavior. According to a statement from the Chicago Jewish Alliance on X, “These students weren’t provoking anyone. They weren’t shouting, rioting, or causing [disruption].” The attack appears to have been a deliberate act of violence driven by prejudice, reflecting broader concerns about rising antisemitism on college campuses.
Injuries and Impact
The physical injuries sustained by Long and Kaminsky included a concussion and a broken wrist, which required medical treatment. In an interview with ABC7 Chicago’s I-Team, Long and Kaminsky shared that they had been living in fear for months following the attack, as the suspects remained at large until Erkan’s arrest. “For the first time in months, we feel a little bit safer,” they told reporters, reflecting on the relief brought by the suspect’s detention.
The psychological impact extended to the broader DePaul University community, particularly Jewish students, who have reported feeling vulnerable in the wake of the incident. Attorneys Jaclyn Clark and Gerard Filliti, representing the victims through the Lawfare Project, emphasized the climate of fear: “These are two individuals who were targeted on their campus simply for being Jewish or advocating for the Jewish people. They’ve been living in fear, and the fact that these suspects remained at large for over five months has certainly contributed greatly to that fear.”
Reactions:
- DePaul University Statement: “The Chicago Police Department and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed a person of interest tied to the antisemitic attack that occurred at DePaul on November 6, 2024, has been arrested and charged with two counts of a hate crime and two counts of aggravated battery with great bodily harm.”
- Victim Testimony (via CBS News): One victim, speaking anonymously, recounted the incident: “I was leading a campus discussion about the war when the assault happened.”
- Attorneys for the Victims: Jaclyn Clark, representing Long and Kaminsky, stated, “The fact that these suspects have remained at large for over five months has certainly contributed greatly to [the victims’] fear.”
- **No statements from Adam Erkan or his legal representation were available at the time of reporting, as he could not be reached for comment, according to Reuters.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is a central institution in Israeli society, with mandatory conscription for most citizens at age 18. Service typically lasts two to three years, and many former IDF members pursue education abroad, including in the United States. The presence of a former IDF member among the victims may have heightened the attackers’ focus, given the polarized views surrounding Israel’s military actions in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The attack occurred against the backdrop of global debates about the conflict, which intensified following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza. These events have led to a surge in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents worldwide, including in the United States. For example, in October 2023, a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy was killed in a hate crime in Illinois, highlighting the broader impact of international conflicts on local communities.
The attack has drawn significant attention from local and national news outlets, with coverage focusing on the hate crime classification and its implications for campus safety. ABC7 Chicago, which has followed the story closely through its I-Team, reported on Erkan’s court appearance and the victims’ lawsuit against DePaul University, alleging inadequate security measures. Reuters and CBS News emphasized the antisemitic motive and the victims’ injuries, while Yahoo News highlighted the ongoing search for the second suspect.
On X, reactions varied but reflected deep concern about antisemitism. The Chicago Jewish Alliance (
@ChiJewishAllies) posted, “Adam Erkman, 22, of Hazel Crest, Illinois, has been arrested and charged with felony hate crimes and aggravated battery for the violent assault of two Jewish students at DePaul University.” Another user,
@lackboys3, called for condemnation from local representatives, stating, “Wouldn’t it be nice to hear condemnation of this heinous act from Hamas caucus
@RepChuyGarcia &
@repdeliaramirez? Don’t count on it.”
Public sentiment on X also included frustration over the five-month delay in charging a suspect, with some users questioning campus security and others expressing solidarity with the victims. The incident has reignited debates about how universities address hate crimes and protect minority students, particularly in politically charged climates.
The legal process is moving forward, with Adam Erkan detained and awaiting further court proceedings. The Chicago Police Department continues to search for the second suspect, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. The victims, Long and Kaminsky, are pursuing a lawsuit against DePaul University, represented by the Lawfare Project, which could lead to changes in campus security policies.
DePaul University has pledged to cooperate with law enforcement and enhance safety measures, but the incident has already damaged trust among some Jewish students. Community organizations, including the Chicago Jewish Alliance, are advocating for stronger protections and increased dialogue to combat antisemitism.
The case also brings attention to broader challenges in addressing hate crimes fueled by international conflicts. As tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict persist, authorities and institutions face pressure to prevent further acts of violence and foster inclusive environments. The outcome of Erkan’s trial and the ongoing investigation into the second suspect will likely shape public perceptions and policy responses in Chicago and beyond.
Video Recapping the Incident
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