Two men are facing hate crime charges after they allegedly harassed Muslim students at the University of South Florida (USF), disrupting a prayer gathering. Footage of the incident was shared online, showing the disgusting words uttered by the aforementioned men.
A video of the disruption was shared by the Tampa Bay-area NBC affiliate WFLA. During morning prayer, three people are accused of interrupting a Muslim prayer gathering at a USF campus parking garage. One of the men is shown offering bacon to the praying men, who are on their knees, saying, “Bacon! Anyone?“
Eating bacon, or pork in general, is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Another of the disrupting men bashed Mohammad, the founder of Islam, saying he is “burning in hell.” The man then spat multiple times on the floor. He said, “I spit on the grave of Mohammad,” all in front of the praying men, still on their knees.
The man is then shown telling the Muslim men to repent and convert, adding that “Jesus Christ is coming soon.” When he told one of the men to remove their Muslim headwear, things got heated up. Some of the praying men stood up and confronted the disrupting man.
Authorities Respond, Suspects Arrested
The clip was shared online, and it quickly became viral. Following an investigation, two of the three men were identified and arrested. The USF shared a statement days after the incident. It confirmed that criminal charges were being filed against Christopher Svochak and Richard Penskoki.
“USF does not tolerate harassment or discrimination,” the USF said. “The university values the right to free speech, expression and the open exchange of ideas, even if we strongly disagree or find some of what is said to be offensive. However, we will not allow violent or disruptive acts that do not comply with USF policy or the law.”
The USF also confirmed that the suspects are not affiliated with the university. Support resources were made available to the students who took part in the prayer gathering.
The USF referred to a press release issued by the University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD). The document confirmed that both men were charged with disrupting schools and religious and other assemblies with a hate crime enhancement (felony), disorderly conduct (misdemeanor), and disrupting school or lawful assembly (misdemeanor).
Additionally, the Florida police confirmed that neither man has a “known local address in the Tampa Bay area.“
“We take this incident very seriously,” USFPD Chief Chris Daniel said. “Our department is committed to protecting every member of our community, and we will use every available resource to ensure accountability and maintain a safe environment for all.”
Trespass orders will be issued against both suspects, which will prevent them from returning to the USF campus. It is unknown whether the third man involved in the incident will face charges, as the USF says he has yet to be identified.
