Overview

• Redmond police said 18 people were taken into custody on charges including trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest and obstruction after a second-day protest at Microsoft’s East Campus.
• Officers reported red paint poured over the Microsoft sign and a pedestrian bridge blocked with vendor tables and chairs; no injuries were reported as multiple agencies assisted in the response.
• Protesters with the No Azure for Apartheid group, including current and former employees, are pressing Microsoft to end contracts with Israeli military and government entities and pledged further escalations.
• Microsoft said the group engaged in vandalism and property damage, thanked local law enforcement, and reiterated that it is pursuing a thorough independent review and will publish the findings.
• The review by Covington & Burling follows reporting by the Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call alleging Unit 8200 stored recordings of Palestinians’ phone calls on Azure; Microsoft says prior reviews found no evidence its technologies were used to target civilians.