US authorities on Wednesday arrested an anti-Israel activist named Riddhi Patel for threatening to murder city council members in Bakersfield. Riddhi Patel during her speech at the City Hall openly advocated for violence against oppressors and while extending her support to Gaza she went too far when she threatened to murder Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh. After issuing death threats publically, Riddhi Patel was immediately arrested by the US authorities present there. Now, the question arises who is Riddhi Patel?
Who is Riddhi Patel?
Riddhi Patel, 28, is an Indian-American Palestine supporter who is facing at least 16 felony counts for threatening comment to council members and the mayor. Riddhi Patel was born and raised in Kern County. As per US media reports, Professionally, Riddhi S. Patel is the economic development coordinator for the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment.
As per US media reports, Riddhi Patel was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of eight counts of threatening with intent to terrorize and another eight counts of threatening certain city officials during her comments on enhanced security at the meetings. As per reports, the upgrades are used on a trial basis at the previous City Council meeting on March 28. It would permanently include metal detectors and bolstered security at future City Hall meetings. They were unanimously approved by the council later in Wednesday’s meeting.
Discretion Advised
In her speech, Riddhi said, "You guys are all horrible human beings and Jesus probably would have killed you himself…You guys don’t care about anything happening in Palestine or any other country where oppression occurs..I hope one day somebody brings the guillotine and kills all of you motherf***ers the increased criminalization for no need other than you don’t like when People come and hold you guys accountable for introducing ceasefire resolutions." She continued saying, "You guys want to criminalise us with metal detectors. We’ll see you at your house. We will murder you."
Notably, when Riddhi was escorted out of the City Hall on the Mayor's direction, the other anti-Israel protestors distanced themselves from her.
As per the last update, Riddhi Patel is being held at Lerdo jail in lieu of $2 million bail.
Notably, the United Liberation Front took to its Instagram handle and distanced itself from Riddhi's remarks. In a public statement, the United Liberation Front said, "United Liberation Front unequivocally condemns any statements that threaten public officials. The comments in question made tonight by a speaker run counter to our values and do not represent united liberation front. It does not represent those of us in the community who continue to show up and exercise our civic duty by engaging directly with our elected representatives. ULF encouraged attendees outside prior to today's city council meeting on a code of conduct stating that there will be no disruptions and that after comments we would leave the event without incident. We continue to demand the introduction of a ceasefire resolution as nearly 100 other cities throughout the us have done."