Police identify 34 'persons of interest' in attack on 3 black female college students

Three black female college students reported being attacked on a bus by 10 to 12 white men and women late Saturday night.

Campus police have now identified “34 persons of interest” in the case, which is now being investigated as a possible hate crime.

According to a statement by University President Robert J. Jones “racial slurs were used by the perpetrators” during the attack.

One victim was taken to the hospital with unreported injuries.

“I am deeply concerned, saddened and angry about this incident,” Jones said. “There is no place in the UAlbany community for violence, no place for racial intolerance and no place for gender violence.”

SUNY Albany Police Chief J. Frank Wiley says the verbal confrontation began off-campus but by the time the bus arrived, it had become physical.

One of the victims, Asha Burwell has spoken out on social media about the attack.

I just got jumped on a bus while people hit us and called us the "n" word and NO ONE helped us. — Asha Burwell (@AshaBurwell) January 30, 2016

I begged for people to help us and instead of help they told us to "shut he f*ck up" and continuously hit us in the head — Asha Burwell (@AshaBurwell) January 30, 2016

WNYT.com reports the CDTA bus company has turned over video footage to Albany Police.

On Monday afternoon, hundreds of people attended a rally in support of the girls, chanting “black girls matter.” Burrell also spoke out at the rally.

“We are proud of who we are,” said Burwell. “Black Women. And no amount of hate will change that.”

"We are proud of who we are. Black women. And no amount of hate will change that". Huge applause for @ashaburwell pic.twitter.com/WK6D5b8S23 — Jessica Layton (@JessicaLayton13) February 1, 2016

The hashtags #DefendBlackGirlsUAlbany and #NotOnOur Campus have already begun trending, calling for swift action by officials.

According to CNN, the campus police department says it has assigned additional personnel to monitor campus safety.