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NYPD arrests NYU student accused of raising antisemitic flag during graduation festivities
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 3, 2026
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 3, 2026
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An NYU student has been arrested after he allegedly raised a flag featuring swastikas and a Star of David during graduation festivities last month, university officials confirmed.
Police arrested 23-year-old Alexander Stepnowsky, of Fairfield, Connecticut, on Tuesday afternoon.
He was charged with burglary as a hate crime, aggravated harassment and criminal trespassing. His attorney information was not immediately available.
The arrest stems from a May 14 incident in which a flag bearing swastikas and a Star of David was raised atop an NYU building overlooking Washington Square Park during graduation festivities.
NYU cooperated with the NYPD and the Manhattan district attorney's office in "identifying the person responsible for this heinous crime," according to university spokesperson Wiley Norvell.
"The symbols that were represented are antisemitic and hateful to every person of conscience," Norvell said. "This appalling act violated our sense of community and solidarity."
The incident occurred amid heightened concerns about antisemitism on college campuses and prompted condemnation from university officials and elected leaders.
Charles Lane contributed reporting.
Tagged
Politics
education
new york city
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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