In the quiet corridors of Penn State University’s Abington campus, a disturbing incident has cast a shadow over the community. Abdul-Jabril Cooper, a 19-year-old former student, is now a wanted man, pursued by authorities for a heinous crime that has left the campus reeling. A warrant issued by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office accuses Cooper of raping a female student in his on-campus apartment in September 2024, a violation that has sparked outrage and a determined manhunt.
The allegations are stark and chilling. According to authorities, the assault took place in the intimate setting of Cooper’s campus residence, a place where students should feel safe to learn and grow. The victim, a fellow student, has become the center of a case that underscores the urgency of addressing sexual violence on college campuses. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has been resolute in its pursuit of justice, charging Cooper with rape and related offenses, signaling that such acts will not be tolerated.
The U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia, alongside Penn State University Police, has taken up the charge to bring Cooper into custody. In a display of measured restraint, authorities have repeatedly offered him the chance to surrender voluntarily, hoping to resolve the matter without further escalation. Yet, Cooper has steadfastly refused, choosing instead to evade capture. His defiance has only intensified the resolve of law enforcement, who are now appealing to the public for assistance in locating him.
Cooper’s last known whereabouts trace back to Washington, D.C., where he is believed to have ties. The U.S. Marshals Service has released a description to aid in his apprehension: a young man with a past tied to the Abington campus, now a fugitive from justice. The call for public vigilance is urgent, as authorities emphasize that any information, no matter how small, could be the key to bringing him to account for his alleged crimes.
This case has struck a nerve, not only within the Penn State Abington community but across broader conversations about safety and accountability in higher education. The university, known for its vibrant student life and academic excellence, now faces the challenge of restoring trust while supporting the victim and ensuring justice is served. As the search for Abdul-Jabril Cooper continues, the message from authorities is clear: no one can outrun the truth forever.
