9 months after UW building takeover, no criminal charges filed

Frustration is growing over the lack of criminal charges in last year’s building takeover at the University of Washington (UW).

Nine months ago, 34 people were arrested after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the university’s IEB building. Police escorted them out in handcuffs after they caused an estimated $1 million in damages.

But, 259 days later, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) still hasn’t filed charges, according to KOMO News. The office is waiting for additional information before it can determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for KCPAO, told KIRO Newsradio the UW Police investigation has been ongoing since May 5, and that the investigation remains ongoing until prosecutors get the completed police referrals.

“Several King County senior deputy prosecutors have been in contact with University of Washington police consistently since this happened in May 2025, outlining specifically what state law is for felony charges or misdemeanor charges. UW Police is working on those,” McNerthney stated.

Some Jewish alumni told KIRO Newsradio the lack of consequences sends the wrong message.

Additionally, the bans imposed on students involved in the takeover have been lifted. In May, 21 students who participated in a pro-Palestinian protest were suspended and banned from all UW campuses. But, according to Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), suspensions have been served and the students are now free.

According to the university, the students involved forfeited tuition or financial aid during the suspension period. These students may have to repay the university before they can officially return.

“Any outstanding balances due must be paid in order to be eligible for re-enrollment,” UW spokesperson Victor Balta told KOMO News.

The extent of the damages

According to KOMO News, doors were pulled off their hinges, while others were glued shut. Participants of the takeover broke and smashed machine manufacturing tools worth thousands of dollars. A Boeing mural was also defaced.

SUPER UW barricaded themselves in the building with furniture, e-scooters, and other items. The group also started small fires by burning trash from a dumpster.

“This was no peaceful protest in support of Palestinian rights or against the war in Gaza. I condemn this dangerous, violent, and illegal building occupation and related vandalism,” UW President Ana Mari Cauce said in a statement Tuesday. “I also condemn in the strongest terms the group’s statement celebrating the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. The university will not be intimidated by this sort of horrific and destructive behavior and will not engage in dialogue with any group using or condoning such destructive tactics. We will continue our actions to oppose antisemitism, racism, and all forms of biases so that ALL our students, faculty, staff, and visitors can feel safe and welcome on our campuses.”

Group wants UW to cut ties with Boeing

SUPER UW claimed responsibility for the takeover in May. The organization wants the university to stop receiving any funding or donations from Boeing.

“Return any existing donations, financial investments, and eliminate all other material ties to Boeing,” SUPER UW stated. “Prohibit Boeing executives and employees from teaching classes or having any influence over curriculum.”

Boeing, in addition to being one of the premier airplane manufacturers in the world, is one of the largest defense companies in the U.S. UW has previously stated that its relationship with Boeing dates back “more than a century.”

Contributing: Frank Sumrall and Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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