Campus Prayer at Univ. of South Florida interrupted by harassers; felony hate crime charges filed against two men

Two of the three men accused of harassing Muslim students as they prayed on the University of South Florida campus earlier this week have now been identified, USF police announced on Friday.

According to campus authorities, hate crime charges have been filed against 40-year-old Christopher Svochak of Waco, Texas, and 49-year-old Richard Penskoski of Canyon, Oklahoma. Neither man has ties to USF or a local address in the Tampa Bay area. Investigators are still trying to determine the identity of a third man seen in videos of the confrontation, and officials expect he will face similar charges once identified.

The incident occurred on Nov. 18 in an outdoor area of a campus parking garage where Muslim students had gathered for prayer. Cell phone videos captured three men approaching the group, shouting insults, mocking the students’ worship practices, and waving strips of bacon at them. The Muslim Students Association at USF said the harassment went on for roughly 13 minutes.

In the videos, one man can be heard saying, “You guys don’t have any bombs on you, do you?” In another recording, a man yells, “Spit on Muhammad’s name, he is a scumbag, just like all you Muslim terrorists.” Students said the men walked around them ridiculing their faith, culture, and traditions.

USF police said they launched an investigation as soon as they learned about the videos, working to verify what laws may have been violated and to identify everyone involved. Authorities ultimately filed charges under a Florida statute dealing with the disturbance of schools and religious assemblies — charges that are being elevated to felony hate crime counts. Svochak and Penskoski are also being charged with disorderly conduct and disrupting a lawful assembly.

All three men are believed to be associated with a group known as “the official street preachers.” In a statement, representatives from the group claimed they were exercising their First Amendment rights by denouncing Islam.

Students who were present described the experience as frightening and deeply upsetting. Abu Tahir, who led the prayer, said the encounter forced him to repeatedly relive the insults and threats. “It was traumatic,” he explained. “We were simply practicing our faith — something the Constitution promises we have the right to do.”

Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the behavior captured on video clearly crossed a line and put students at risk.

In response to the incident, USF officials said the university has increased police patrols and visibility on campus as a precaution. USF Police Chief Chris Daniel emphasized that protecting students and ensuring accountability are top priorities, stating that the department will use every tool available to maintain safety and support those targeted in the attack.

Source: News Channel 8