Campus Clash: Two Students Face Hate Crime Charges

A confrontation outside DePaul’s student center in November 2024 has led to serious legal consequences for two men. The incident involved Max Long, a former Israeli soldier, and Michael Kaminsky, both Jewish students who were attacked by masked assailants. One attacker, Kasem Noubani, 24, now faces two hate crime charges and aggravated battery. The other, Adam Erkan, 20, was already charged with similar offenses earlier this year. During the assault, the attackers used fists and improvised weapons such as a soda can or water bottle. Long sustained a concussion, while Kaminsky broke his wrist. Long continues to deal with memory issues and requires regular specialist visits for recovery. Surveillance footage helped prosecutors piece together the event. According to their account, Noubani and Erkan met before the attack while wearing masks. Erkan engaged in conversation with Long and Kaminsky, then fled in a silver SUV. Noubani, who attacked from behind, later discarded his sweatshirt and mask into the trash; DNA evidence linked him to these items.Erkan had previously pleaded guilty to a battery charge and identified Noubani as the attacker. Noubani was apprehended in Arkansas during a traffic stop and then brought back to Illinois for trial. His next court appearance is set for Tuesday. The attackers’ history includes a 2024 trespassing conviction during the Democratic National Convention, where they breached security fences amid pro‑Palestinian protests. Long and Kaminsky have also sued DePaul, claiming the university failed to protect them on campus. The assault occurred after pro‑Palestinian students at DePaul erected an encampment demanding an end to the Gaza conflict, a move mirrored on other university campuses in spring 2024.