Tensions escalated at Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington, campus on Wednesday as at least 18 people were arrested during a disruptive protest led by current and former employees. The group, calling themselves “No Azure For Apartheid,” targeted Microsoft’s AI contracts with Israel, accusing the tech giant of aiding the Israeli military.
According to KOMO News and Redmond Police, the protesters blocked pedestrian access, vandalized company property with red paint, and attempted to barricade areas using items from a local farmer’s market. The confrontation began when demonstrators refused to leave despite warnings from police. Authorities reported that the group became “aggressive,” forcing officers to act.
The protest follows mounting unrest among some Microsoft employees regarding the company’s contracts in Israel. In recent months, multiple employees have been fired for public disruptions during major corporate events. These latest arrests could result in charges ranging from trespassing and malicious mischief to resisting arrest and obstruction.
Microsoft responded by reaffirming its commitment to human rights standards. The company said it is reviewing allegations about the use of its Azure cloud platform in Israel and reiterated that while it upholds freedom of expression, it does not tolerate unlawful actions that disrupt business or damage property.
This week’s arrests are part of a broader campaign among far-left activists targeting major tech firms over their business dealings with Israel. Similar incidents have occurred at Google, where members of the “No Tech for Apartheid” coalition staged sit-ins at executive offices. In one case, activists occupied the office of Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian for over eight hours before being placed on administrative leave.
Microsoft, like Google, has been scrutinized for its participation in Project Nimbus—a $1.2 billion Israeli government cloud computing initiative. Activists claim these technologies are being used for military operations. However, critics argue that these protests often ignore the security challenges Israel faces from terror organizations like Hamas, and oversimplify complex geopolitical realities.
No injuries were reported during the Redmond incident. The Redmond Police Department is continuing its investigation and working with prosecutors to determine next steps for those arrested.
