Authorities in Southfield, Michigan are investigating pro-Palestinian graffiti spray-painted on a law firm's building as a potential hate crime. The incident, discovered by staff at the Goodman Acker law firm's headquarters, involved red paint splattered on the building's sign and messages like 'FREE PALESTINE,' 'DIVEST NOW,' and 'U-M KILLS' painted on the walls and windows.
The Southfield Police Chief stated that the graffiti was believed to have been left between 1:39 and 1:46 a.m. on Monday. The FBI and other agencies are assisting in the investigation.
University of Michigan regent and attorney Jordan Acker condemned the vandalism as antisemitic, emphasizing that it was targeted at him because of his Jewish identity. Acker stressed that the act was meant to intimidate Jews and was not related to the conflict in Gaza or any other political issue.
Recent protests at universities across the U.S. and Europe have called for divestment from Israel and companies supporting its actions in Gaza. The University of Michigan has been a focal point of such demonstrations, with protesters demanding an end to investments in Israeli-linked companies.
Incidents of arrests at campus protests have been on the rise, with over 3,110 people arrested at 64 colleges and universities since April 18. The University of Michigan itself saw a monthlong pro-Palestinian encampment disbanded by police, resulting in several arrests.
Protesters have also targeted university officials, including Board of Regents members, with demonstrations at their homes and demands for divestment from Israel-related investments. The university maintains that its direct investments in such companies are minimal, amounting to less than 0.1% of its total endowment.
