Eight pro-Palestinian activists charged with conspiracy

The indictment details several incidents, including the placement of fake bloody corpses on an elected university board member's lawn and the spray-painting of anti-Israel messages at the home of the then-university president, Santa Ono. Prosecutors stated that threatening symbols used by Hamas, such as red inverted triangles and red handprints, were used to mark victims. The indictment also notes the use of the internet and social media to broadcast threats and commitment to further criminal activity.

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. stated, “In America, we rule by law not by fear. These alleged threats and attempts to terrorize government officials, businesses, and the Jewish Federation are anti-American. We will counter intimidation with justice.”

Six of the eight individuals named in the indictment were expected to make initial court appearances. One activist was arrested in Wisconsin, while another remains at large. The Associated Press could not immediately reach any of the defendants or their attorneys for comment.

Pro-Palestinian protesters have demanded the University of Michigan's endowment cease investments in companies with ties to Israel. The university has maintained that its direct investments in such companies are minimal, amounting to less than $15 million within funds that might include Israeli-linked companies, representing less than 0.1% of its total endowment.