University of Michigan officials targeted in intimidation campaign

Federal authorities have charged four additional individuals for participating in a criminal intimidation campaign against University of Michigan officials. The indictment aims to force the university to sever financial ties with Israel.

This development follows charges brought in June against eight pro-Palestinian activists accused of conspiracy involving threats and vandalism at private residences, businesses, and the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Investigators cited various incidents, including the placement of fake bloody corpses in a board member’s yard and the spray-painting of anti-Israel messages at the home of former university president Santa Ono.

While protesters have demanded the university divest its endowment from companies linked to Israel, the institution stated that less than 0.1% of its total endowment is placed in funds that might include Israeli companies. Defense attorneys for the activists have criticized the federal indictment, characterizing it as an attempt to criminalize student opposition to the conflict in Gaza.