City Council is Not Intimidated by Riddhi's Threat

In the wake of the disturbing events at the city council meeting, Councilman and Vice Mayor Andrae Gonzales, who witnessed Riddhi Patel's aggressive speech, made it clear that the council would stand firm against any form of intimidation. He strongly condemned Patel's behavior, stating that her threats were "completely inappropriate, unproductive and is deeply concerning."

Gonzales elaborated on the council's approach to handling disputes, emphasizing the importance of mature dialogue. "Sit at the table like adults and exchange ideas, go back and forth really trying to figure out how we can find a path together. Making real threats to elected officials and decision-makers is not the way to influence others. Nobody on the city council will be intimidated to action," he explained, highlighting that the council would not be swayed by threats but would continue to engage in constructive discussions.

Meanwhile, the United Liberation Front, a pro-Palestinian organization, quickly took steps to dissociate itself from Patel's radical actions. The group issued a statement condemning any threats against public officials, clarifying, "Patel’s aggressive language does not align with their principles and fails to represent the United Liberation Front’s stance." This statement underscored the organization's commitment to peaceful advocacy and denounced any expressions of violence.

Despite the turmoil caused by Patel's remarks, the Bakersfield City Council moved forward with its agenda. During Wednesday’s meeting, they unanimously approved the proposed security measures, including the installation of metal detectors. This decision was made in the interest of enhancing safety at council meetings, reaffirming the council's commitment to maintaining a secure and orderly environment for public discourse.

Arrest of Riddhi Patel

The situation involving Riddhi Patel escalated to legal action as she was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, 10th April. The 28-year-old faced serious charges: eight felony counts for threatening with intent to terrorize and another eight counts for specifically threatening the Mayor and Bakersfield city council members. The development was officially confirmed by Bakersfield Police Sgt. Eric Celedon.

Following her arrest, Patel was taken to Lerdo jail, where she is currently held with her bail bond set at a significant amount of $2 million. This high bail reflects the severity of the charges against her and the perceived risk she poses.

In the midst of this legal turmoil, the anti-Israeli group ‘United Front Liberation’, of which Riddhi Patel was a member, has taken a clear stance on the issue. The group made a point to separate itself from the controversy stirred by Patel’s actions and rhetoric. On their official Instagram account, they posted, “United Liberation Front unequivocally condemns any statements that threaten public officials. The comments in question made tonight by a speaker run counter to our values and do not represent the United Liberation Front.” This post reflects the organization’s attempt to maintain its integrity and distance itself from any form of violence or threats against public figures, highlighting a fundamental disagreement with Patel’s approach.

Riddhi Patel and Her Controversies

Riddhi Patel, a 28-year-old activist known for her pro-Hamas stance, has been involved in various controversies, particularly regarding her remarks on social media. In January 2021, she made a series of derogatory comments about prominent political figures and ideologies in a Facebook post. She expressed her disdain with the words, "Man fuck Modi. Fuck the BJP. Fuck Nikki Haley. Fuck Dinesh. Fuck Bobby Jindal. Fuck Hindu Fascism."

Patel had also been active in the political arena, participating in the presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders, a far-left American politician. Her involvement in politics deepened after she joined the Center on Race, Poverty & The Environment (CRPE) in 2020. CRPE is known for its work as a national environmental justice organization that provides legal, organizing, and technical assistance to grassroots groups in economically disadvantaged and racially diverse communities.

There is a perception that Patel’s radical shift in political views may have been influenced by her time at CRPE. Some believe that this organization played a significant role in shaping her ideologies, suggesting that it should be investigated for its influence on her actions. Patel’s public appearances and speeches often reflect a deliberate use of her Indian-American identity, as seen in her attire and references to cultural festivals like Navaratri. This strategic presentation has led some to criticize her approach as being manipulative for ideological purposes.

Furthermore, her academic environment has also come under scrutiny. Saint Louis University, where she studied, and some of its faculty members have been noted for their active participation in pro-Palestinian protests, which could have further influenced her viewpoints.

Patel’s actions and affiliations have sparked a broader debate on the impact of what some describe as 'wokeism' on American society, suggesting it poses a significant cultural and political threat. This narrative points to a deep-seated concern about ideological extremism and its consequences on individual behavior and public safety.