More than 30 people charged in connection with UW building takeover during pro-Palestinian protest More than 30 individuals have been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing in connection with the occupation of the University of Washington’s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building during a pro-Palestinian protest last May. Prosecutors stated that while the trespassing charges are sufficient, they cannot determine who caused the damage to the building, which is why felony charges are not being pursued. Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, explained that trespassing alone does not constitute a felony without additional evidence. “If we could show exactly who caused the damage, then we would be looking at a felony case,” McNerthney said. The misdemeanor charge carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and significant fines. Authorities reported that the group occupying the building caused approximately $1 million in damage. Arraignments for the charged individuals are scheduled for March 25. The group responsible for the takeover, SUPER UW, claimed responsibility for the incident and issued a statement demanding that the university sever all ties with Boeing. The organization called for the university to return existing donations, eliminate financial investments, and prohibit Boeing executives and employees from influencing academic programs or teaching classes. Boeing, a major defense contractor and airplane manufacturer, has had a long-standing relationship with the University of Washington, dating back over a century. The university has not yet responded to the demands from SUPER UW.#boeing #university_of_washington #super_uw #casey_mcnerthney #king_county_prosecuting_attorney
