Third Suspect Identified, Felony Charges Filed in USF Muslim Prayer Disruption

IQNA – Following a viral video that showed Muslim students being confronted during prayer, the University of South Florida Police Department identified all three suspects involved, filing felony charges against men from three states who authorities say had no affiliation with the university.

The charges stem from a viral video recorded on Tuesday that shows the men appearing to confront students while they prayed.

Police identified the suspects as 40-year-old Christopher Svochak from Texas, 49-year-old Richard Penskoski from Oklahoma and 28-year-old Ricardo Yepez from Tampa. According to authorities, the men have no affiliation with USF, and trespass orders will be issued to keep them off campus.

They face charges of disturbing schools and religious or other assemblies (upgraded to a felony under Florida Statute 775.085 due to hate crime enhancement), disorderly conduct (misdemeanor) and disrupting school or lawful assembly (misdemeanor).

The incident has deeply shaken the USF community, particularly students who have expressed strong reactions to the harassment.

"I was honestly disgusted," said Jade Walcott, a USF student. "No one should ever be made to feel bad for their religious beliefs. I'm Christian, I would never think to do that. I respect other people's beliefs."

Benjamin Harris, a junior at USF, emphasized that while everyone has a right to their opinion, harassment crosses a clear line.

"Harassment, whether you're sharing your opinion or not, shouldn't be tolerated," Harris said. "Harassing people to where they could fear for their safety — it's not okay."

The incident has particularly stung students who value USF's diversity. According to the university, about 10% of students are international, representing nearly 140 countries.

"I love being here and seeing different cultures," Walcott said. "Hearing that happened just made me feel sick — it's not what I'm used to here at all."

Harris added that respect should be expected on a diverse campus.

"If you're going to come on a campus with people from all different countries and cultures, then act respectful toward everybody," Harris said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Florida chapter welcomed the charges in a statement, saying the arrests "send a clear message that Islamophobic intimidation on campus will not be tolerated."

Police said the men have not yet been taken into custody, but the filed charges will move to the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office for an indictment and arrest warrant. The investigation remains active, with additional charges pending further review.

Walcott said she is hopeful these arrests will prevent future incidents.

"I'm glad they've been caught this time because I hope they never do it again."

Source: tampabay28.com