Detroit, Mich. — Federal prosecutors have indicted eight individuals with ties to the University of Michigan, accusing them of participating in a conspiracy involving threats, vandalism, and intimidation targeting university officials, law enforcement, businesses, and members of the local Jewish and pro-Israel community. (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury and unsealed in June 2026 following arrests, alleges that the defendants sought to pressure the University of Michigan to divest from Israel through coordinated actions that included property damage and threats against individuals and their families. (facebook.com)
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the defendants — described as associated with pro-Palestinian activism on campus — used encrypted messaging apps, social media, and other platforms to research, target, and harass victims following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Targets reportedly included University of Michigan leaders, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and others perceived as supporting Israel.
justice.govAlleged acts included late-night vandalism such as spray-painting slogans and symbols on homes and businesses, breaking windows, blocking entrances, and throwing containers with paint or acid. Court documents also detail threats, including messages discussing poisoning a university regent “slowly” and burning down a residence. (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
The eight named defendants are:
- Zainab Aliasgar Hakim, 23, of Canton, Mich.
- Amatullah Aliasgar Hakim, 21, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Paige Elizabeth Feyock, 26, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Ahmet Kerem Korkaya, 28, of Milwaukee, Wis. (a former medical student)
- Jonathan Hongru Zou, 22, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Alexander Matthew Sepulveda, 23, of Chicago, Ill.
- Mariam Muhammed Odeh, 24, of Dearborn, Mich.
- Colin Hunter Weger, 24, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
They face charges including conspiracy to transmit threats, witness intimidation, and destruction of property. Convictions could result in prison sentences of up to 20 years, depending on the specific counts.(michiganadvance.com)
Among those charged is Mariam Muhammed Odeh, who previously worked briefly as a staffer for Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan. El-Sayed has publicly commented on the case, arguing that justice is not applied equally and criticizing the Trump administration’s approach. (detroitnews.com)
Some defendants have appeared in federal court in Detroit, with several granted bond while others remain in custody or have pending appearances. Prosecutors have cited concerns about flight risk in at least one case. (michiganadvance.com)
The case has drawn attention amid ongoing campus debates over Israel, divestment, and free speech boundaries. University of Michigan officials have not immediately commented in detail, but the incidents are part of broader tensions since the Israel-Hamas war began.The FBI’s Detroit Field Office, along with federal, state, and local partners, conducted the investigation. Authorities emphasized that the charges address alleged criminal conduct beyond protected protest activity.
facebook.comAll defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case is being prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
