The College Fix

Protesters allegedly dumped ‘gallons of red paint’ on campus buildings, statue

An Ohio grand jury indicted 11 pro-Palestinian protesters on Wednesday for allegedly causing $400,000 in damages to Case Western Reserve University in November.

The individuals “could face six months or more in prison for three felony counts each of breaking and entering, possessing criminal tools and vandalism,” Axios reports.

One protester also is facing a telocmmunications harassment charge for “repeatedly calling” an associate dean, according to a statement from the Cuyahoga County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

The 11 allegedly vandalized the Ohio university in the early morning hours of Nov. 8, 2024, according to the prosecutor’s office.

“They split into two groups and vandalized both the north and south sides of campus,” the statement reads. “They dumped and smeared gallons of red paint over multiple buildings, walkways, outdoor tables, an electrical pole, and on a statue of retired chemistry professor ‘Doc Oc’ — causing $400,000 in damages”

In a statement, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said the legal system supports “peaceful protests.”

“When demonstrators cross over the line and commit criminal acts, it is our responsibility to hold those individuals accountable,” O’Malley stated.

However, some pro-Palestinian students pushed back on the charges, according to Axios:

Student protesters have accused CWRU president Eric Kaler of aggressively punishing campus activists for their political affiliations.

When campus police issued arrest warrants in January, the Students for Justice in Palestine group characterized Kaler’s pursuit of student protesters as a “politically-motivated attempt to silence Palestine advocacy.”

It “reflects poorly on the institution for higher-learning’s ability to engage with and respect a racially, ethnically, and politically diverse student body,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, police are investigating another vandalism incident tied to pro-Palestinian protesters. As The College Fix reported, the home of the University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce was targeted Nov. 14, with the perpetrators causing $7,000 in damages.

MORE: CUNY union rescinds Israel boycott resolution after just 1 month

IMAGES: Cuyahoga County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney

Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter