What’s the Story Behind Microsoft’s Red Paint Incident?

Microsoft’s Red Paint Incident: Police arrested 18 individuals on a range of charges at the Microsoft Campus. In an X post, the Redmond Police Department reported that the crime occurred on August 20. A protest at the Microsoft Campus led to the arrests. Redmond police responded to the protest in the Microsoft courtyard on August 20 around 12:15 p.m., the agency said.

Police Statements and Arrests:

Police posted on Twitter that protesters refused to leave. They turned violent when officers tried to remove them. Officers said some protesters painted the ground and the Microsoft sign. The police report added that protesters took tables and chairs from a vendor. They blocked the pedestrian bridge and used the furniture to build barricades. Officers arrested 18 people on charges of obstruction, trespassing, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. The department confirmed no injuries. One of the three photos released by the Redmond Police Department shows red paint spilled on a Microsoft sign.

Take a look at the post:

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

The company cited media sources and said, “Today, the group reappeared and committed acts of vandalism and property damage. They also disrupted, harassed, and stole tables and tents from surrounding small businesses during a staff lunch at a farmer’s market.” Microsoft added in its statement that it appreciates and welcomes the actions of the Redmond Police Department and local law enforcement officials.

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Why did the Microsoft Employees Protest?

Employees protested Microsoft’s commercial ties with Israel. The protest’s organizer, No Azure for Apartheid, urged the company to stop supplying products to Israel, claiming the technology contributes to casualties in Gaza. In a May blog post, Microsoft said it had “found no evidence” that its Azure or AI technologies were used to harm people in Gaza. The company reaffirmed in a recent statement that it remains committed to its contracts and human rights standards, including in the Middle East.