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"Eight Conspirators … Threatened University of Michigan Officials, Businesses, and the Jewish Federation"

Eugene Volokh | 6.12.2026 3:54 PM

From a Justice Department press release Wednesday:

"… In the dead of night, masked and hooded defendants allegedly threw noxious chemicals through the windows of families' homes and taped demand letters to their front doors….," said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

After the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, the defendants and unindicted conspirators enacted a series of coordinated "actions" threatening University of Michigan leaders, law enforcement, and businesses. Seemingly prompted by their perception of the University of Michigan's and other victims' purported financial support of Israel, the conspirators insisted publicly that they "must escalate, mobilize, and organize to demand divestment by any means necessary."

According to the indictment, on October 20, 2023, the defendants publicly posted a list of demands on social media directed at University of Michigan leadership. Among the demands, they required the University to make a "full and complete divestment" from Israel and any businesses supporting Israel. Unsatisfied by the University's response,........

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