Overview

• Redmond police arrested seven people who occupied the Microsoft president’s office, with charges including trespassing and obstruction, and the sit-in was shown live on Twitch.
• Microsoft dismissed employees Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli for policy breaches tied to the break-in, then terminated Nisreen Jaradat and Julius Shan in connection with recent on‑site demonstrations, citing safety concerns.
• Protest organizers with No Azure for Apartheid demand the company cut ties with Israel and pay reparations to Palestinians, following a joint investigation alleging Azure supported expansive surveillance of Palestinians.
• Brad Smith said most Microsoft work for the Israeli Defense Forces focuses on cybersecurity, called The Guardian’s report “fair” but needing verification, and confirmed Covington & Burling is conducting an independent review.
• Smith said security staff contacted the local FBI in April about potential protest activity; he alleged protesters planted phones as crude listening devices and noted a temporary building lockdown and earlier arrests on campus.