According to the Northampton Country District Attorney’s Office, four men were arrested for assaulting a black Lehigh University student and hurling racist abuse.
The men are identified as Brandon John, 22, Michael Rosta, 21, Nabil Jameel, 22, and Cameron Graf, 22. They have been charged with different counts of burglary, assault, and harassment. The Black student was chased to the dormitory and assaulted there. None of the four men, however, have any connection to the University and are not students there.
“Northampton County has zero tolerance for this type of lawless behavior, and the defendants will absolutely face the consequences for their senseless actions. Students have a right to feel safe when they are on or around campus,” Northampton District Attorney Terry Houck said.
According to an affidavit submitted by the victim, the same yelled the N-word at him from their car when he was walking home with his friends.
The victim has not been named due to concerns over privacy and safety.
“The victim told the officers the vehicle then turned around and parked, and a group of males got out of the car and chased him and his two friends. The victim stated the group of males surrounded them just south of Packer Avenue and one of the males struck the victim before he was able to get away and run back to his residence hall on campus,” the release by the DA office said.
Lehigh University also released a statement about the incident.
“We are pleased that the assailants were charged and we continue to cooperate in the investigation. The news released from the District Attorney contained additional details; the most concerning of these is that an assailant brandished a handgun during the pursuit and assault of our student. We support prosecution of this threat of violence and act of hate to the fullest extent of the law. We stand united in working together as a campus to eradicate hate and violence,” the statement said.
Lehigh is situated in Pennsylvania, 60 miles north of Philadelphia.
