Patrick McClintock arrested after antisemitic incident targeting Dave Portnoy; “Sunday morning” interview preview spotlights broader rise in hate

A 20-year-old identified as Patrick McClintock was arrested in Starkville, Mississippi, after an antisemitic incident directed at Dave Portnoy during the filming of a street-level pizza review. The case—which drew national attention over the weekend—now intersects with a high-profile broadcast interview set to air on a Sunday morning news magazine program, where Portnoy discusses a surge of antisemitic harassment he says he experiences “every day.”

What happened in Starkville involving Dave Portnoy

On Friday, November 7, Portnoy was recording a segment outside a Starkville pizzeria when a man in the vicinity hurled antisemitic slurs and threw coins toward him—an act widely viewed online as a hateful trope. Video of the confrontation spread rapidly across social platforms, prompting local authorities to open a case.

By Monday, police announced the arrest of Patrick McClintock, 20, on a disturbing-the-peace charge tied to the incident. Investigators noted that while offensive speech can be protected, conduct that disrupts public order or threatens safety can trigger criminal liability. Officials also indicated they are reviewing the episode for possible bias-motivated enhancements under state law. McClintock was processed and released; additional proceedings will clarify the final charge posture in the coming days.

Details about McClintock’s student status at Mississippi State University have been in flux; as of Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed his age and identity while university affiliation remained the subject of administrative review. That status does not change the underlying criminal process.

“Sunday morning” preview: Portnoy says antisemitism is now a daily reality

A pre-taped interview with Portnoy is scheduled to run Sunday morning, November 16, on a national news magazine program. In a promotional clip, Portnoy says that antisemitic taunts that once felt occasional have become routine, describing a “definitive shift” in what he encounters in public and online. He frames speaking out as a responsibility, especially for those seen as visible members of the Jewish community.

The timing means viewers will see Portnoy address the broader climate just days after the Starkville arrest, linking a specific case to the rising tide he describes.

Legal landscape: where the McClintock case could go next

• Current allegation: Disturbing the peace linked to conduct during a crowded, public filming.

• Possible enhancements: If prosecutors determine the act targeted a protected class, bias-related penalties could be considered under Mississippi statutes.

• Process ahead: Expect a formal appearance, potential bond conditions, and clarity on whether prosecutors amend or add charges. Charging decisions often evolve as investigators gather statements, additional video, and context.

Why the Starkville arrest is resonating beyond Mississippi

1) Symbolism of the act. Coin-throwing paired with slurs invokes a long-standing antisemitic stereotype. The imagery, captured on video, travels fast and requires little explanation to audiences encountering it out of context.

2) Street-level virality. Portnoy’s on-the-sidewalk review format blurs entertainment and public square, meaning incidents don’t just get reported; they debut as content, accelerating reaction cycles and pressure on authorities.

3) The climate conversation. The episode lands amid heightened reporting of antisemitic behavior across campuses, stadiums, and city streets. The upcoming Sunday morning interview ensures the discussion will reach a broader, non-social audience.

Community response and safety notes

Local reaction has included condemnation of the behavior and support for swift legal follow-up. For creators and crews filming in public—whether for entertainment, journalism, or brand content—law-enforcement guidance typically stresses:

• Scene awareness: Assign someone to watch crowd behavior while recording.

• De-escalation first: Avoid prolonged verbal back-and-forth; relocate if a hostile actor fixates on the shoot.

• Evidence preservation: Save full-length clips and witness contacts immediately; unedited footage can be decisive in charging decisions.

• Report promptly: Early statements help establish timeline, location specifics, and potential additional crimes (e.g., objects thrown).

What to watch between now and next Sunday

• Charging clarity: Whether prosecutors pursue a bias enhancement or related counts beyond disturbing the peace.

• University involvement: Any disciplinary or status update involving McClintock, if applicable, and whether campus policies intersect with the criminal process.

• Further video angles: Additional footage from bystanders could refine the sequence of events and corroborate key details.

• National conversation: The Sunday morning broadcast will likely broaden focus from the Starkville facts to the wider question of how platforms, campuses, and municipalities respond to harassment in public spaces.

The arrest of Patrick McClintock following the antisemitic confrontation with Dave Portnoy gives investigators a clear starting point: documented conduct in a public setting, identifiable parties, and fast-moving online evidence. With a Sunday morning national interview poised to spotlight the pattern Portnoy describes, a local criminal case has become a touchpoint in a wider debate about how everyday spaces—from sidewalks to social feeds—are navigating a visible rise in antisemitic hostility. Further developments are expected this week; details may evolve.