8 University of Michigan Affiliated Protesters Indicted

Eight pro-Palestinian protesters affiliated with the University of Michigan have been indicted for allegedly threatening and intimidating university leaders and the Board of Regents as well as law enforcement officers and local businesses, including the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, according to an indictment unsealed Wednesday.

The individuals, all of whom are between the ages of 21 and 28, are accused of identifying targets, discussing methods by which to harm them and their families, and vandalizing their homes and businesses. At least one was a medical student at the time of the alleged crimes, the indictment says.

The charges vary by person but include conspiracy to transmit a threat, conspiracy to tamper with a witness and destruction of property to prevent seizure. DOJ officials argue that the actions were thought out in advance as part of a larger effort to get the University of Michigan to divest from Israel.

“The defendants and unindicted conspirators orchestrated detailed plans,” the indictment reads. “Their criminal activity included spray-painting threats, breaking windows and throwing glass jars filled with noxious chemicals into family homes. They marked their victims with threatening symbols used by Hamas, including red inverted triangles and red handprints. They used the internet and social media to broadcast their message to ensure their threats and commitment to continuing criminal activity were heard by their victims and others who support Israel.”

FBI director Kash Patel wrote on social media that seven of those indicted were arrested Wednesday.

If convicted, the individuals could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, though the penalties could increase if they are found guilty under multiple counts.

The University of Michigan Department of Public Safety assisted the FBI in the investigation. Sarah Hubbard, a Republican and a university regent, who was a target of the vandalism, shared the FBI’s announcement on social media and thanked all parties involved for their “tireless work.”