AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 23-year-old Palestinian-American is recovering in the hospital, after being stabbed Sunday night.
The Austin Police Department called the weekend stabbing near the University of Texas at Austin campus “bias-motivated,” saying it will be reviewed by the Hate Crimes Review Committee after DFW’s Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for hate charge crimes to be brought forth.
The incident happened at Nueces and 26th Streets. The victim, Zacharia, was taken to the hospital with stab wounds and broken rib, according to his family. Bert James Baker, 36, was arrested in the incident and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
University of Texas Police previously said neither the suspect nor the victim were affiliated with UT. However, UT’s student organization, Palestine Solidarity Committee released a statement , as they feel the attack could have happened to a student.
PAST STORY: 1 injured, 1 arrested after stabbing near UT campus Sunday night