Cornell professor seen calling the Hamas attacks 'exhilarating' in viral video

In a video from the Cornell Daily Sun that went viral on Sunday, associate professor of history at Cornell University Russell Rickford is seen calling the Hamas attacks on Israel "exhilarating."

“Hamas has challenged the monopoly of violence. And in those first few hours, even as horrific acts were being carried out, many of which we would not learn about until later, there are many Gazans of good will, many Palestinians of conscience, who abhor violence, as do you, as do I. Who abhor the targeting of civilians, as do you, as do I, who were able to breathe, they were able to breathe for the first time in years. It was exhilarating. It was energizing. And if they weren’t exhilarated by this challenge to the monopoly of violence, by this shifting of the balance of power, then they would not be human. I was exhilarated," said Rickford during the rally. 

The comments were made at a Pro-Palestinian rally in the Ithaca Commons on Sunday, October 15th.  In the video, Rickford can be seen addressing a crowd of people.
"Hamas has shifted the balance of power.  Hamas has punctured the illusion of invincibility.  That's what they've done.  You don't have to be a Hamas supporter to recognize this.  Hamas has changed the terms of the debate.  Israeli officials are right; nothing will be the same again," added Rickford.

Cornell President Pollack and Board of Trustees Chair Kayser issued a statement in response to Rickford's comments:
“We learned yesterday of comments that Professor Russell Rickford made over the weekend at an off-campus rally where he described the Hamas terrorist attacks as “exhilarating.” This is a reprehensible comment that demonstrates no regard whatsoever for humanity. As we said in yesterday’s statement, endorsed by senior leadership of the Board of Trustees, any members of our community who have made such statements do not speak for Cornell; in fact, they speak in direct opposition to all we stand for at Cornell. The university is taking this incident seriously and is currently reviewing it consistent with our procedures.”