A law office in Southfield, Michigan, connected to University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, was vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti in what is being investigated as a hate crime. The incident has drawn condemnation from public figures and triggered a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
Jewish Law Firm Vandalized in Southfield, Michigan
Southfield, MI – Southfield police are investigating an incident of vandalism at the Goodman Acker law offices as a hate crime. The law office, connected to University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, was defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti early Monday morning. Phrases such as “divest now” and “free Palestine” were spray-painted on the building and sidewalk, along with derogatory messages directed at Acker.
Acker, calling the crime “an enormously difficult moment,” stated at a news conference that the incident aimed to intimidate the Jewish community rather than address geopolitical issues. Chief of Police Elvin Barren labeled the vandalism “horrific.” The FBI, University of Michigan police, and Huntington Woods police are assisting in the investigation. Surveillance footage captured four individuals at the scene for approximately seven minutes around 1:39 am.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono condemned the act, emphasizing it as an attack on a dedicated public servant and the community’s values. Barry Goodman, a founding partner in the firm, reiterated the firm’s longstanding service to people of all faiths.
In a related incident on May 15, a masked intruder appeared at Acker’s home. Acker affirmed that these attacks would not intimidate him.
BBC Pundit Apologizes for Offensive Post
United Kingdom – Qasim Sheikh, a former Scotland international cricketer and current BBC sports pundit, issued an apology following the emergence of a social media post showing world leaders with Hitler moustaches. The leaders included Rishi Sunak, President Biden, and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, with the caption “Kids Killers Union.”
Sheikh, who is slated to commentate on the T20 World Cup, also shared posts critical of Israel’s actions and described Western leaders as “genocide enablers.” Despite his controversial posts, Sheikh expressed regret for any offense caused, stating his intent to continue advocating for a ceasefire.
The Israeli embassy in the UK condemned the antisemitic nature of the posts, urging the BBC to uphold its editorial standards. Sheikh, who has previously spoken on racial issues within cricket, reaffirmed his opposition to the October 7 Hamas attacks but maintained his call for peace.
The BBC has not yet commented on the matter.
