Pro-Palestinian activist arrested in State House vandalism

Jermaiah Yusuf Sawaqed, 25, faces charges for allegedly vandalizing the Massachusetts State House, linked to the radical group Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL). He has pleaded not guilty to charges, including vandalizing property and possessing a hoax device, and is currently held on $30,000 bail. DAMPL has claimed credit for several vandalism incidents across Massachusetts, targeting prominent public institutions. Authorities allege that Sawaqed is a central figure in these politically motivated acts. Investigators tracked footprints marked in white paint from the State House to Boston Common, discovering homemade explosive devices.

They linked Sawaqed to the vandalism through social media posts and surveillance footage from a vehicle owned by his mother. The complaint emphasizes Sawaqed's deliberate actions in promoting an ideology that advocates for disruption through violence. He is set to appear in court again on August 18, though it remains unclear if he has legal representation.