Stanford Protesters Face Felony Charges for Building Takeover

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Stanford Protesters Face Felony Charges for Building Takeover

 

Twelve pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including current and former Stanford University students, are now facing felony charges in connection with a June 2024 protest that saw the occupation and vandalism of a key administrative building on campus. According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, the individuals have been charged with felony vandalism and felony conspiracy to trespass following the early morning demonstration that left the university property extensively damaged.

 

 

The protest began at dawn on June 5, 2024, the final day of Stanford’s spring classes. Protesters, rallying in support of Palestine, barricaded themselves inside the building housing the university president’s office while others formed a line outside. The Stanford Daily reported that during the occupation, demonstrators chanted, “Palestine will be free, we will free Palestine.” The occupation lasted approximately three hours before authorities intervened.

 

 

Prosecutors allege the demonstrators caused widespread damage during the takeover, including spray-painting walls, breaking windows and furniture, disabling security cameras, and splattering a red liquid resembling blood on various items throughout the building. The DA’s office estimated the total damages at several hundred thousand dollars.

 

 

The age range of those charged spans from 19 to 32. They are scheduled to be arraigned later this month at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. A student journalist who was also arrested during the incident was not charged, as prosecutors determined they had not participated in the acts of vandalism.

Evidence gathered during the investigation included cellphone records that revealed messages among the accused, detailing plans for the protest.

 

 

These communications reportedly included a “do-it-yourself occupation guide” that prosecutors say helped organize and coordinate the illegal occupation.

 

“This was not an impromptu protest. It was a calculated and deliberate act that caused real damage,” a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said. The felony charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the impact on university operations and property.

 

The protest at Stanford was one of many that occurred across U.S. college campuses in 2024 amid growing unrest and demonstrations against the war in Gaza. According to the Associated Press, at least 86 incidents involving arrests were recorded during campus protests over the spring.

 

The university has not yet commented publicly on the charges but had previously condemned the incident, noting the safety risks and significant disruption caused to campus operations. The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings move forward, with the arraignments expected to draw national attention amid ongoing debates about protest rights and the limits of civil disobedience.

 

 

Based on a reports by NYP  2025-04-12

 

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