Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, went into lockdown Tuesday after seven protesters, including current and former employees, stormed the office of President and Vice Chair Brad Smith. The group, part of the No Azure for Apartheid movement, demanded that Microsoft end its cloud computing contracts with the Israeli government, alleging the company’s Azure platform is used to surveil Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The protesters breached security at Building 34, barricaded Smith’s office with furniture, and livestreamed their sit-in on Twitch, chanting, “Brad Smith, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!” They also taped a mock legal summons to Smith’s monitor, accusing him of “crimes against humanity,” and allegedly planted listening devices, including cell phones hidden under furniture. Redmond police arrested all seven individuals on charges of trespassing and obstruction, with some facing additional charges for resisting arrest.
Microsoft fired four employees involved—Riki Fameli, Anna Hattle, Nisreen Jaradat, and Julius Shan—citing “serious breaches” of company policy. In a press conference, Smith condemned the protest, stating, “Storming a building and planting listening devices is not ok.” He addressed allegations from a Guardian report claiming Israel’s Unit 8200 uses Azure to store Palestinian phone call data, saying Microsoft is investigating to ensure compliance with its human rights policies.
The incident follows a series of protests by No Azure for Apartheid, including an August 20 demonstration where 18 people were arrested at Microsoft’s campus. The group has also disrupted the company’s 50th anniversary event and protested near the homes of Smith and CEO Satya Nadella. Similar actions have occurred in the tech industry, with Google firing 28 employees in April 2024 over protests against its Project Nimbus contract with Israel.
Microsoft has reportedly sought FBI assistance to monitor potential future protests. The company emphasized its support for free expression but called the occupation of private property unacceptable. No Azure for Apartheid claimed the arrested protesters faced police brutality but were released. The group continues to demand Microsoft sever ties with Israel, citing human rights concerns.