Twelve individuals—both current and former Stanford University students—have been charged with felonies following a pro-Palestinian protest that took place on June 5, 2024. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of felony vandalism and felony conspiracy to trespass after the group stormed and occupied the office of the university president.
According to authorities, the protest resulted in over $700,000 in property damage, including smashed windows, damaged furniture, spray-painted walls, and disabled security equipment. Investigators also recovered tools like hammers and crowbars used during the incident, as well as an “occupation manual” from the protesters’ phones, indicating the event was premeditated.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen underscored the difference between free speech and criminal acts, stating: “Dissent is American. Vandalism is criminal.” He added that while protest is protected, destructive actions and property damage are not.
The protest was part of a larger wave of student-led activism demanding universities cut financial ties with companies allegedly linked to Israel’s military efforts in Gaza. The defendants, aged 19 to 32, are expected to appear in court later this month in San Jose. A student journalist who was arrested during the protest was not among those charged.
