Protest at Microsoft Campus in Redmond Ends with 18 Arrests Over Alleged Vandalism and Trespass

August 21, 2025

Redmond police arrested 18 individuals following a lunchtime protest at the Microsoft campus on August 20, after reports of trespassing, vandalism, and obstruction. The protest reportedly involved paint on the Microsoft sign and the use of vendor furniture as barricades.

What happened
Officials from the Redmond Police Department said officers responded to a large gathering in the Microsoft courtyard around 12:15 p.m. on August 20. Authorities reported that protesters resisted police attempts to disperse, becoming aggressive in the process. Paint was reportedly slathered on the Microsoft sign and surrounding ground.

18 arrested for various charges during a protest at Microsoft Campus

Redmond police are at the scene of a demonstration at the Microsoft campus. On Aug 20, around 12:15 p.m., Redmond officers were dispatched to a large gathering of protestors in the Microsoft courtyard.… pic.twitter.com/L4jzjsdxkT

— RedmondWaPD (@RedmondWaPD) August 20, 2025

Arrests and charges
A total of 18 people were detained on multiple charges, including trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction. There were no reported injuries.

Impact on property and businesses
Photographs released by the Redmond Police show signs of vandalism, including red paint on a Microsoft sign. The demonstration disrupted activities around the campus and, according to Bloomberg, also involved disruptors targeting a lunchtime farmer’s market, with some protesters allegedly removing tables and tents from nearby vendors.

Company response
Microsoft issued a statement commending law enforcement for their actions and reaffirming its support for officers. The company emphasized its commitment to human rights standards and its contractual terms of service, including those applicable in the Middle East, amid ongoing questions about the protest’s focus.

Reason for protest
Bloomberg cited the group No Azure for Apartheid as the organizer, who reportedly urged Microsoft to halt sales to Israel, alleging that the company’s Azure and AI products contribute to fatalities in Gaza. Microsoft, in a May blog post, stated it had found no evidence that its technologies have been used to target or harm people in the Gaza conflict and reiterated its adherence to human rights commitments.