On Monday, Starkville police arrested Patrick McClintock, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering major at nearby Mississippi State University (MSU). This arrest came after a probe into antisemitic remarks he posted online regarding public figure and pizza mogul Dave Portnoy. The arrest follows the Baltimore Police Department’s issuance of an arrest warrant over the weekend against one of BPD’s own officers, in the case.
The harassment incident apparently occurred when McClintock shouted antisemitic insults at Portnoy, who was in the area on business. Witnesses allege that McClintock didn’t just yell his bigoted statements, but that he added to the harassment by tossing coins at the accused. This unconcealed act of hostility comes as worrying news, as antisemitism is on the rise. Portnoy, who is Jewish, has faced similar attacks in the past.
The Starkville police made the criminal charges clear in their announcement of McClintock’s arrest. They used the pretense of disturbing the peace to arrest him. The police department reiterated the seriousness with which they approach investigations of hate-crimes and their goal to provide a safe space for all residents in the community.
Dave Portnoy, a prominent entrepreneur who has spoken out extensively about his own experiences with antisemitism, reacted to the recent antisemitic episode on social media. As part of an introductory video for a government-wide pizza review, he fumed about McClintock’s destructive appropriation.
“I hope it was worth it for this kid to do this little stunt.” – Dave Portnoy
Portnoy has had a complicated relationship with antisemitism. In an earlier case at his Philadelphia sports bar, he suggested putting two customers who’d made antisemitic comments on a trip to Poland’s Auschwitz concentration camp. However, he eventually rescinded the offer once one of the customers admitted fault for their behavior.
In responding to the changed environment, Portnoy said antisemitism is on the rise. He continued, “As a Jewish person, I need to be more active. People among the Jewish community and leaders in the Jewish community should be looking to me.” You have to be, like: ‘All right, this is not normal haha with the guys. People are coming up with real hate.’”
The incident led to a national debate about what public figures like politicians, actors and athletes should be expected to do in the fight against hate speech. Portnoy’s comments prove how far we’ve come, at least in society’s perception, about what constitutes acceptable behavior. They underscore the critical need to hold folks accountable for tackling hate.