Tampa, Florida – In a disturbing incident at the University of South Florida (USF), three men have been charged with felony hate crimes after allegedly interrupting a group of Muslim students during their early morning Fajr prayer. The event, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked calls for improved campus safety measures and drawn strong condemnation from university officials.
According to reports from USF police, the disruption took place during a prayer session organized by the university’s Muslim Student Association (MSA). Christopher Svochak, a Texas resident; Richard Penkoski, an Oklahoma resident and leader of the group Warriors for Christ; and Ricardo Yepez, a Tampa local, approached the praying students. Witnesses described the men stomping loudly nearby, shouting religious taunts, making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad, and brandishing bacon after the prayer concluded—an act widely interpreted as an intentional insult to Islamic dietary practices.
USF police responded quickly, arresting the trio on felony hate crime charges for disturbing a religious assembly with alleged religious bias. Each man also faces additional misdemeanor counts related to the incident. Campus trespass warnings have been issued, prohibiting them from returning to university property.
The MSA and affected students have expressed outrage and deep concern, urging university administrators to strengthen security measures for religious gatherings. “This was a direct attack on our right to worship peacefully,” said one student, who asked to remain anonymous. “We need assurances that these hate-fueled disruptions won’t happen again.”
University officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an inclusive and safe campus environment. In a statement released shortly after the arrests, USF emphasized: “We stand firmly against any form of bias or harassment. The safety and well-being of all community members, regardless of faith, is our top priority, and we will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure accountability.”
The charges come amid growing national discussions about religious intolerance on college campuses. Legal experts note that Florida’s hate crime statutes allow for enhanced penalties when bias is a motivating factor, potentially resulting in substantial fines or imprisonment if the men are convicted.
As of the latest update, approximately seven hours ago, the investigation remains ongoing, and court dates have not yet been announced. The university is encouraging anyone with additional information to contact campus police. The case underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing free speech with protections against targeted harassment in educational settings.
