A group of four individuals projected a swastika on a college dorm building at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater while yelling racist chants Sunday night, according to the school.
Chancellor Corey King said in a statement to his community that around 5:40 p.m. local time Sunday police heard reports of four people “outside of Knilans residence hall chanting racist words, lighting what appeared to be road flares and displaying antisemitic symbols.”
“We are everywhere. There will be blood, blood, blood,” one of the chants could be heard in a video of the incident posted on Facebook.
By the time the police arrived the group had already left, and video cameras showed they were no longer on the campus.
“The actions of the individuals are consistent with a group that has been visiting other campuses, and has no affiliation with UW-Whitewater whatsoever,” the chancellor said.
He told students there will be an increase in police presence for extra protection and reminded them of mental health resources available on campus.
“The actions of the group last night are abhorrent and go against our core values. At UW-Whitewater, we strive to create a safe community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We take pride in our Warhawk family. We reject hate in all its forms,” King said.
The incident follows a large increase in antisemitic activity on college campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.
Between Oct. 7 and 23, 312 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League. In the same time period in 2022, only 64 antisemitic incidents were reported.