An Indian-origin woman, Srishti Tarana Sharma, 23, is among four additional people charged in a federal investigation into alleged threats, vandalism and intimidation targeting Jewish organisations, University of Michigan officials and businesses perceived to have links to Israel.US Attorney Jerome F Gorgon Jr announced the new charges, taking the total number of defendants indicted in the case to 12. The other newly charged individuals are Henry David MacKeen-Shapiro, 23, Aaron Hunter Vonbargen, 25, and Joseph Mark Fisher, 23.According to the US Attorney’s Office, two of the newly charged defendants, MacKeen-Shapiro and Vonbargen, were arrested last week and are due to make their initial court appearances. The remaining two, including Sharma, are still at large.The investigation centres on alleged conspiracies to intimidate the Jewish Federation of Detroit, University of Michigan leadership and law enforcement personnel, as well as businesses considered to have connections with Israel.As per the superseding indictment, the defendants and other alleged co-conspirators developed plans to pressure the university and private-sector organisations into cutting any perceived ties with Israel following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.Prosecutors allege that the group threatened further retaliation and escalating criminal activity if its demands were not met. The indictment also claims that members used encrypted messaging services, social media platforms and overseas collaboration tools to identify targets and coordinate their activities.The alleged incidents included spray-painting threats, smashing windows and throwing glass jars containing noxious chemicals into family homes. Investigators also allege that the suspects marked homes and workplaces with symbols associated with Hamas, including red handprints and inverted red triangles.The indictment further alleges that photographs of the incidents were subsequently shared on social media alongside additional threats. Prosecutors say the posts were intended to intimidate the immediate victims and send a warning to other members of the community who support Israel.Those allegedly targeted included the Jewish Federation of Detroit, two University of Michigan regents, other university officials, a university police lieutenant, a student and two businesses perceived to have links to Israel.Commenting on the latest charges, Gorgon said the alleged threats against Jewish communities and public officials were part of a wider pattern of intimidation.“These alleged attempts to terrorize our Jewish community and government officials are nothing new,” he said.FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan said the additional charges reflected the work of federal investigators and several local, state and federal agencies involved in the case.“Those who believe they can threaten families, hide behind a group, and avoid accountability should think again. Justice will find you,” Runyan said.
