Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against eight pro-Palestinian activists accused of orchestrating a campaign of threats and intimidation targeting officials of the University of Michigan in an effort to pressure the institution to sever financial ties with Israel.
The indictment, made public on June 10, details a series of incidents that allegedly included threats, vandalism and harassment directed at university officials, local businesses and the Jewish Federation of Detroit.
US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. said the case involved attempts to intimidate individuals through fear and coercion.
“In America, we rule by law, not by fear. These alleged threats and attempts to terrorise government officials, businesses and the Jewish Federation are anti-American. We will counter intimidation with justice,” he said.
Among the incidents cited in the indictment were the placement of fake bloodied corpses on the lawn of a university regent and anti-Israel graffiti sprayed at the residence of then-University President Santa Ono. Prosecutors also allege that two glass jars containing a blue liquid were thrown through a window at the home of the university provost.
According to the indictment, the accused used symbols associated with Hamas, including red inverted triangles and red handprints, to mark targeted properties and amplified their actions through social media and online platforms.
All eight defendants face charges of conspiracy to transmit threats through interstate commerce, while some have been charged with additional offences.
Five of the accused appeared in federal court in Detroit, where four were ordered to remain in custody pending a hearing scheduled for June 12.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for the charges to be dropped.
Eaman Ali, an organiser with the TAHRIR Coalition, a student and community group advocating divestment from Israel, described the arrests as shocking but declined to comment on the specific allegations.
The case comes amid ongoing tensions on US university campuses linked to the Israel-Hamas war. Protesters have repeatedly urged the University of Michigan to divest from companies with ties to Israel. The university has maintained that it holds no direct investments in Israel and that less than USD 15 million of its endowment is invested in funds that may include Israeli companies.
In 2024, police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment at the university after administrators cited concerns about public safety.
University Regent Sarah Hubbard, whose property was targeted in one of the incidents, welcomed the indictment and praised law enforcement agencies for their investigation. Fellow Regent Jordan Acker said his home, vehicle and law office had also been vandalised.
