'We'll murder you': Indian-American woman's threat at Gaza meet
An Indian-American woman named Riddhi Patel was arrested on Wednesday after threatening to "kill" the mayor and city council members of Bakersfield, California. The incident occurred during a local council meeting, where Patel expressed her dissatisfaction with the council's refusal to support a ceasefire resolution against Israel in Gaza. She also criticized the heightened security measures around government buildings following anti-Israel protests across the United States.
Patel's speech gains traction on social media
Patel's fervent speech, which has since gone viral on social media, included references to Mahatma Gandhi and Jesus Christ. She controversially stated that "Jesus Christ would have probably" killed all council members for not supporting the Gaza resolution. Patel also accused the council members of being indifferent to oppression, both in Palestine and in any other country where it occurs.
Patel criticizes security measures and threatens officials
In a chilling threat to Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and city council members, Patel stated, "We'll see you at your house, we'll murder you." "...You guys, those who votes to win in Bakersfield, parade Gandhi around and a Hindu holiday called Chaitra Navaratri that starts off this week. I remind you that these holidays that we practice, that other people in the global south practice, believe in violent revolution against their oppressors," she said.
Patel faces 16 felony counts following arrest
Following her alarming remarks, Mayor Goh alerted police officers, who promptly escorted Patel out of the meeting. Bakersfield Police Sergeant Eric Celedon confirmed that Patel was taken into custody and now faces 16 felony counts. Of these charges, eight are related to threatening with intent to terrorize, and eight are related to threatening the mayor and city council members.
Check out her video here
Protesters and advocacy group condemn Patel's remarks
Patel's comments were met with disbelief from fellow anti-Israel protesters at the meeting. Protester Jenny Huh stated that Patel's remarks did not represent those demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. "I ask that this does not distract anyone from our mission to end the genocide. Ceasefire now," said Huh. The Hindu American Foundation, a Washington DC-based advocacy group, also condemned Patel's threatening remarks, expressing outrage that she invoked Gandhi and the Hindu holiday Chaitra Navaratri while issuing threats.
