On Monday, three individuals were taken into custody for vandalizing Elbit Systems of America, a defense contractor based in Merrimack, New Hampshire, during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Responding to reports of protesters obstructing the driveway and suspects on the building's rooftop, the Merrimack police made the arrests as reported by the NBC Boston.
When the police arrived, protestors expressing their support for Palestine allowed authorities access to the premises without resistance. Elbit Systems of America, an affiliate of Israeli firm Elbit Systems Ltd., is no stranger to protests for its part in the military operations in Israel. The company offers services in sectors such as defense, homeland security, commercial aviation, sustainment and support, and medical instrumentation solutions primarily for US clients, as elaborated on their website.
Officers found that windows had been broken, the building facade was spray-painted in red, and the main entrance door had been sealed with an anti-theft bicycle mechanism. On gaining access to the roof, additional damages were noticed, including more instances of spray painting, HVAC equipment wreckage, and broken skylights. There were also reports of smoke coming from the rooftop, which was later discovered to be the result of an incendiary device resembling one found in the possession of a suspect. The Merrimack police arrested Sophie Marika Ross, 22, Housatonic, Massachusetts; Calla Mairead Walsh, 19, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Bridget Irene Shergalis, 27, Dayville, Connecticut, on charges including riot, sabotage, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct according to a report by the Union Leader.
Following these incidents, Elbit Systems of America's leadership issued a statement advocating for peaceful protest and stressing the safety and welfare of its staff members. In its statement, the company reemphasized that its Merrimack location employs over 650 individuals offering defense, commercial aviation, support and sustainment, and medical instrumentation solutions largely to clients throughout the US, from the government to local healthcare providers.
"The antisemitism, hate, and significant damage protesters brought to Elbit America’s campus this morning has no place in our state and will not be tolerated," stated New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu in his blatant condemnation of the vandalism. As per NBC Boston's report, the governor expressed his confidence that law enforcement would act swiftly and justly against those responsible for this "vile act of hate," and reassured that the people of New Hampshire stand firmly with Israel and Elbit Systems of America. Rep. Jeanine Notter, R-Merrimack, Majority Whip, also vocalized her support, saying that anyone involved in anti-Semitic acts and hate speech has no place in Merrimack.
Both the Merrimack police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are continuing to quickly uncover information about the incident. Authorities have encouraged individuals with any information that could help with the investigation to contact the Merrimack police department at 603-424-3774. For anonymous reporting, tips can be shared via the Merrimack Crimeline at 603-424-2424 as mentioned by NBC Boston.
