Multiple confrontations with protester Patel detailed in reports

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Riddhi Patel is well known by Bakersfield City Council members and staff, having attended meetings for years, often taking opportunities during public comment to lob criticisms.

But on April 10 Patel went a step further, making a comment multiple council members believed was a credible threat of violence, according to newly-released court documents.

“We’ll see you at your house. We’ll murder you,” Patel said as she complained about increased security at the meetings, which have been disrupted repeatedly in recent weeks by protesters calling for the council to issue a ceasefire resolution to the war in Gaza.

The 28-year-old was escorted outside and arrested. She’s facing multiple counts of making terroristic threats and threatening a public official, and is free on $500,000 bail.

Council members and staff expressed shock at the statement, one person telling police she felt “scared, threatened, and uncomfortable because she did not know what (Patel) and other of her colleagues were capable of doing,” according to the documents.

The names of those interviewed by police are redacted from the reports.

Several people told police they fear for their safety. One person said Patel’s statement “terrified” her, and had her rethinking her profession, the reports say.

Others described previous confrontations with Patel.

One said Patel and other protesters approached her a few weeks ago as she walked to her vehicle on the side of city hall. Patel blocked her with her body, the person told police, coming within inches of her face.

In an incident three years ago, the reports say, Patel showed up at a council member’s home with a blowhorn.

Another person told police of an incident a couple years ago in which he called law enforcement after Patel caused a disturbance in the lobby of the Padre Hotel then followed him and his friends for blocks, the reports say. He told police Patel “has become more aggressive over time.”

Patel is due back in court next week for a preliminary hearing.

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