A man accused in a brazen antisemitic attack at DePaul University pleaded guilty on Monday to a single misdemeanor battery count, despite prosecutors originally filing multiple felony and hate-crime charges. The plea deal resulted in probation and community service, prompting outrage among victims and advocacy groups who argue the outcome sends a dangerous message about accountability. The incident continues to raise alarms for Jewish students already concerned about rising hostility on college campuses nationwide.
The suspect, Adam Erkan, 20, had been charged with four felony hate-crime counts and aggravated battery related to a November 6, 2024 attack on two Jewish students at DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus. The victims were publicly showing support for Israel when Erkan and an accomplice allegedly confronted and assaulted them. According to the reports, one victim suffered a concussion while the other sustained a broken wrist, injuries that highlighted the violent nature of the incident and the gravity of the charges initially filed.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed all felony and hate-crime charges. Erkan received a sentence of two years probation and must complete 100 hours of community service. The Lawfare Project, which represents the victims, called the plea a partial step toward justice but emphasized that it fails to reflect the seriousness of the attack. One suspect remains at large, and advocates are demanding his immediate arrest and full prosecution to prevent further acts of targeted violence.
The case underscores broader concerns about prosecutorial reluctance to pursue hate-crime convictions even when evidence suggests clear antisemitic targeting. For Jewish students and supporters of campus free expression, the lenient outcome signals that violent intimidation may carry minimal consequences, further undermining confidence in campus safety protections and equal treatment under the law.
