A Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Chicago – Under the crisp November sun last year, a violent clash unfolded on the bustling Lincoln Park campus of DePaul University, leaving two Jewish students battered and a community on edge.
A Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
Picture this: two young men, proudly waving Israeli flags to show their support, suddenly ambushed by attackers shouting slurs. It happened right outside the student center, captured on video that quickly spread online. The victims, Max Long and Michael Kaminsky, suffered real injuries – one with a concussion and the other dealing with a severely hurt arm.
The incident wasn’t just random violence. It carried the ugly weight of anti-Semitism, with the attackers targeting the students specifically for their heritage and stance on Israel. Police moved fast, identifying one suspect and charging him with heavy felonies.
Yet, as the case dragged into 2025, the path to justice took an unexpected detour that has many scratching their heads.
The Initial Charges: Hate Crimes on the Table
Adam Erkan, a 20-year-old from the suburbs, faced a tough lineup right from the start. Prosecutors hit him with hate crime counts, aggravated battery, and more – felonies that could have meant years behind bars. The evidence seemed solid: video footage, witness accounts, and the clear bias in the assault.
Courts don’t take these lightly, especially amid rising tensions on college campuses over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Erkan’s arrest made headlines, with calls for a strong response to protect Jewish students everywhere.
But legal battles often twist in ways no one predicts, and this one was no exception.
The Plea Deal That Changed Everything
This week, the story shifted dramatically. Erkan pleaded guilty to just one count: misdemeanor battery. In exchange, the bigger charges vanished, and he walked away with probation instead of prison time.
Court records confirm the resolution, closing a case that started with such promise of accountability. No jail sentence, no extended supervision – just a lighter slap on the wrist for what many saw as a hate-fueled crime.
It’s the kind of outcome that fuels debates about leniency in sensitive cases like this.
Victims’ Side: A Lawsuit Against the University
Long and Kaminsky didn’t stop at criminal charges. Earlier this year, they sued DePaul University, claiming the school failed to keep them safe despite known risks on campus. The attack happened in a high-traffic area, yet security was nowhere in sight, they argued.
The lawsuit highlights a bigger issue: how colleges handle rising anti-Semitic incidents. DePaul has faced criticism for its response, with students feeling vulnerable during protests and rallies.
For the victims, probation for the attacker feels like salt in the wound, especially with a second suspect still at large.
Broader Implications for Campus Safety
This case shines a light on the challenges of prosecuting hate crimes. While Erkan’s plea brings some closure, it leaves questions about deterrence. Will lighter sentences embolden others, or is this a pragmatic move in an overloaded court system?
Across the U.S., similar attacks on Jewish students have surged since late 2023. Universities are scrambling to balance free speech with protection, often caught in the crossfire.
- Enhanced security patrols during events
- Better training for staff on spotting bias
- Stronger partnerships with local police
- Support programs for affected students
- Clear policies against hate speech
What’s Next for Erkan and the Community
Erkan now faces the terms of his probation, which could include community service or counseling. But with one attacker off the hook and the other uncharged, trust in the justice system takes a hit.
Advocacy groups are watching closely, pushing for reforms to ensure hate crimes get the weight they deserve. The DePaul community, meanwhile, rallies for more vigilance.
One thing’s clear: incidents like this demand ongoing attention to prevent repeats.
Key Takeaways
- The plea deal reduced felony hate crime charges to a single misdemeanor battery conviction.
- Victims continue their fight through a civil lawsuit against DePaul for negligence.
- This outcome underscores the need for stronger measures against campus anti-Semitism.
In the end, while the courtroom chapter closes lightly, the real work lies in building safer spaces for everyone. What steps should universities take next to protect students? Share your thoughts in the comments.
