Student Arrested After Dave Portnoy Antisemitic Rant Disrupts One Bite Pizza Review; Charges Filed for Starkville Disturbing Peace
During a filmed “One Bite” pizza review in Starkville, Mississippi, a man shouted antisemitic slurs and threw coins at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, prompting an arrest and a disturbing-the-peace charge amid wider concerns about rising antisemitism.
- Viral video: A man shouted antisemitic slurs and tossed coins at Portnoy during the filmed review, a moment captured and circulated online — reported by Fox News.
- Suspect identified: Authorities named 20-year-old Patrick McClintock, a former Mississippi State student, who was charged with disturbing the peace and processed and released after the charge was filed.
- Investigating bias: Prosecutors are reviewing whether state bias-motivated statutes apply, which could lead to enhanced penalties for religiously targeted conduct.
- Public safety concerns: Portnoy has condemned the attack, described an increase in antisemitic harassment, and reported adding security; CBS News covered his comments and security measures (CBS News).
What happened in Starkville
Video shows Portnoy filming outside a local pizzeria for his “One Bite” review when a man approached and began shouting. Witnesses captured the man yelling, “Hey, f— the Jews, f— you, Dave,” and tossing coins toward Portnoy as bystanders reacted. Security and witnesses intervened, and the man shouted, “Get the f— out of Starkville,” before officers were notified.
Police response and arrest
The Starkville Police Department opened an investigation after the video circulated. Officers identified the suspect as 20-year-old Patrick McClintock, reported as a former Mississippi State student. A warrant was issued; McClintock was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace (a misdemeanor), processed, and released after charges were filed on Monday, Nov. 10. Reporting on the arrest and video details was published by Fox News.
Speech vs. criminal conduct
Police emphasized the legal distinction between protected speech and criminal acts. While offensive language alone is generally protected under the First Amendment, officers said the suspect’s conduct — including throwing objects and creating a public disturbance — exceeded protected expression and necessitated police intervention.
Investigation and potential enhanced penalties
Local prosecutors are evaluating whether the incident meets Mississippi’s criteria for bias-motivated or discriminatory charges. State law allows for enhanced penalties when crimes are motivated by bias against religion or other protected characteristics; authorities said they will consider those statutes as they continue the probe.
University reaction and student status
Mississippi State University confirmed that McClintock voluntarily withdrew from the university on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 10. University officials have not disclosed further disciplinary actions publicly, citing student privacy rules.
Dave Portnoy’s response and security concerns
Portnoy, who is Jewish, condemned the attack publicly. In a CBS News interview and on social media he said:
“Imagine hating somebody just because of their religion in this f—ing country.”
He described a “definitive shift” in the amount and intensity of antisemitic harassment and said he has added round-the-clock security at his home because of threats and online abuse: “It only takes one.”
The interview and his comments about security were reported by CBS News.
National context: rising antisemitic incidents
Advocacy groups and experts report a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide. The Anti-Defamation League has tracked an increase in reported antisemitic acts over the past decade — a pattern Portnoy says he perceives personally. That broader trend gives local incidents national resonance and influences decisions to examine bias motives more closely.
Legal and civic angles for local officials
Legal scholars point to the tension between protecting free speech and holding individuals accountable for threatening or violent conduct in public. In this case, police and prosecutors highlight actions — throwing coins, creating a scene — that go beyond words and can justify criminal charges. College towns may face pressure to balance campus safety, free expression, and swift enforcement to prevent escalation.
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: Small business owners should note how viral incidents can affect foot traffic and reputation. Establishments may need security plans and filming policies to protect customers and visiting media.
Political consequences: For conservative-leaning audiences in Hesperia, the Starkville episode raises questions about law and order and campus discipline. Voters may call for clear enforcement of public-safety laws and decisive action by schools when student behavior creates public disturbances.
Social effects: National tensions can manifest locally; hateful outbursts harm community cohesion and safety perceptions. Faith groups and schools may review security and outreach programs; youth groups should emphasize respect and boundaries of public conduct.
Cultural relevance & practical steps: Local leaders can reinforce norms that protect expression and public safety. City officials and business owners in Hesperia should update event policies, coordinate with law enforcement on filming guidelines, and ensure prompt reporting of threats so police can assess disturbing-the-peace or hate-motivated offenses.
Reporting notes and sources
This report is based on published accounts and official statements. Key sources include Fox News, which reported the arrest and provided video details, and CBS News, which covered Portnoy’s interview and comments about security and rising antisemitism. Officials in Starkville said the investigation is ongoing and prosecutors will consider whether bias or discrimination statutes apply.
Additional reporting will follow as authorities release more details about charges and any prosecutorial decisions related to bias enhancements.
