Former Campaign Staffer Charged in University of Michigan Vandalism Case

Federal prosecutors charged a former staffer for a leading Democratic Michigan Senate candidate and seven others with conspiracy, threats, and vandalism targeting University of Michigan officials and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. The indictment alleges the group spray-painted threats, broke windows, and threw glass jars containing noxious chemicals into homes between October 2023 and April 2025 in an effort to pressure the university to cut ties with Israel.

Investigators said the defendants discussed using poison, bombs, and psychological tactics and marked some targets with red inverted triangles and red handprints associated with Hamas. The indictment states two participants said they intended to "kill, torment, and terrorize their targets and families" in 2024.

Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said the defendants allegedly threw chemicals through windows at night and taped demand letters to doors while attempting to delete evidence. Detroit U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon stated the alleged actions against officials, businesses, and the Jewish Federation are anti-American and will be met with justice.

The University of Michigan referred questions to the Department of Justice, which pointed to the indictment. The former staffer worked for the candidate's campaign from February until April 15 of an unspecified year and attended the university from 2020 to 2025, according to Michigan News Source.

The candidate did not immediately respond to a request for comment.