Riddhi Patel, a 28-year-old activist, was arraigned in California for allegedly threatening to murder public officials at a Bakersfield City Council meeting. She pleaded not guilty to 18 felony counts. Patel was upset with the council members and Mayor Karen Goh for not supporting a Gaza cease-fire resolution against Israel and for installing metal detectors at City Hall.

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During the meeting, Patel expressed her hope that minorities would rise up against their “oppressors.” She accused the council members of indifference toward the “oppression” of Palestinians and other people around the world. Patel also criticized the council for installing extra security measures at City Hall, calling it an attempt to criminalize protesters.

“I hope one day somebody brings the guillotine and kills all of you,” Patel said. Later in the meeting, at the end of her comments, she threatened: “We’ll see you at your house. We’ll murder you.”

After she made those threats, Patel was escorted out of the building by police officers. She was later arrested and charged with eight counts of threatening state officials and 10 counts of making threats with intent to terrorize.

Patel, who is a Bakersfield native and worked as economic development coordinator for a local nonprofit (she has now been fired), was ordered held on $1 million bail and to stay at least 500 yards away from City Hall. She is due back in court on April 24.

You can view videos of Patel’s comments at the City Council meeting below.

Hear what Patel has said. Share your thoughts and prayers below.

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