Indian-origin Srishti Tarana Sharma charged in US over pro-Palestine threats at Michigan university/Image: AP
Two of the newly charged defendants, MacKeen-Shapiro and Vonbargen, were arrested last week and are due to make their initial court appearances, according to the US Attorney’s Office. The remaining two, including Sharma, are still at large. Those allegedly targeted included the Jewish Federation of Detroit, two University of Michigan regents, other university officials, a university police lieutenant, a student and two businesses perceived to have links to Israel.
The alleged incidents included spray-painting threats, smashing windows and throwing glass jars containing noxious chemicals into family homes. Investigators also allege that the suspects marked homes and workplaces with symbols associated with Hamas, including red handprints and inverted red triangles. The indictment further alleges that photographs of the incidents were subsequently shared on social media alongside additional threats. Prosecutors say the posts were intended to intimidate the immediate victims and send a warning to other members of the community who support Israel.
An Indian-origin woman, Srishti Tarana Sharma, 23, is among four additional people charged in a federal investigation into alleged threats, vandalism and intimidation targeting Jewish organisations, University of Michigan officials and businesses perceived to have links to Israel. The investigation centres on alleged conspiracies to intimidate the Jewish Federation of Detroit, University of Michigan leadership and law enforcement personnel, as well as businesses considered to have connections with Israel.