Activists Released on Bond After Threatening University of Michigan Leaders

A group of college-aged activists released on bond faced charges for plotting to threaten University of Michigan leaders over their refusal to cut financial ties with Israel. This decision followed their arrests earlier this week.

Among the defendants, Zainab Hakim (23), Paige Feyock (26), Jonathan Zou (22), and Colin Weger (24) appeared in court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Patti. After entering not guilty pleas, they were ordered released on bond.

Judge Patti imposed several conditions for their release: surrendering passports, avoiding contact with alleged victims or co-defendants, and adhering to GPS monitoring and travel restrictions.

FBI Director Kash Patel reported seven arrests related to the case, citing concerns over a possible “campaign of violence” targeting the university and related businesses.

The charges stem from an alleged conspiracy that began after the Hamas attacks on Israel. According to a federal indictment, the activists aimed to intimidate university leaders and other institutions they believed backed Israel financially.

The U.S Attorney’s Office released a photo depicting threatening messages spray-painted on the Jewish Federation building, marking the anniversary of the Hamas attacks.

Sarah Hubbard, a University of Michigan Regent, expressed gratitude for the legal actions and the efforts of law enforcement in addressing the threats.

Prosecutors presented instances of vandalism that included spray-painted phrases like “Free Palestine” and “Divest Now.” These messages appeared on university buildings and other locations.

The U.S Attorney’s Office detailed further acts of intimidation, including blocked entryways and vandalized homes. Defendants even posted evidence of their destruction online.

According to the indictment, the conspirators plotted more severe actions such as using “poison” and “psychological torture” against their targets. On one occasion, Feyock and Ahmet Korkaya allegedly discussed causing harm to certain individuals and their families.

In Wisconsin, Korkaya faced court proceedings related to his involvement in the plot. Discussion during the trial revealed plans to harm an entire family, as alleged by prosecutors.

The most significant charges, witness intimidation, involved Hakim and Feyock. Accused of threatening an individual they suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, the pair could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Another defendant, Alexander Sepulveda, was involved in an incident where glass jars filled with an unknown substance shattered windows at a university official’s home. In response to an investigation, Sepulveda reportedly deleted data from his electronic devices.

Authorities continue to process cases against those behind the conspiracy, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison for some charges.