A Kern County judge on Thursday approved mental health diversion for Riddhi Patel, who was accused of threatening members of the Bakersfield City Council during a public meeting on April 10, 2024.

During their remarks at the April 2024 meeting, Patel criticized new security measures at City Hall. Patel said the added metal detectors and increased police presence were meant to discourage people who were trying to hold the council accountable. 

According to court records, Patel said, “We’ll see you at your house, we’ll murder you,” while speaking during public comment. 

After the statement, police officers escorted Patel out of the chamber, where she was later arrested.

According to several news sites, Kern County Judge Brownlee ruled that Patel meets the legal requirements and is suitable for the mental health diversion program, which pauses criminal proceedings while a defendant receives treatment.

According to KGET, Deputy Public Defender Jacob Evans has previously said Patel was diagnosed with a qualifying mental health disorder and should be considered appropriate for diversion. Details of the diagnosis were not made public.

Patel was initially held on $2 million bail, which was later reduced, leading to her being released on bond.

Patel is scheduled to return to court on March 6 for a status hearing and progress report.

During a preliminary hearing in October 2024, several of Patel’s family members and community supporters attended court. Community advocates also spoke out in support of Patel at the time.

Tiffany James, representing Project Rebound at California State University Bakersfield, said she believed Patel was being treated unfairly because she was outspoken. Alicia Huerta of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, who said she was present at the April council meeting, said Patel’s comments were emotionally driven and said they should be viewed in that context.