Today, the Department of Attorney General in Michigan dismissed charges against seven individuals who were previously charged with trespassing and resisting or obstructing a police officer. These charges stemmed from their actions during the clearing of an encampment at the University of Michigan in May 2024.
Attorney General Dana Nessel provided a statement regarding this decision. She stated, "When my office made the decision to issue charges of Trespassing and Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer in this matter, we did so based on the evidence and facts of the case. I stand by those charges and that determination."
Nessel highlighted that despite numerous court hearings over several months, there has been no determination by the court on whether probable cause existed for these crimes. She noted that this lack of progress has turned the case into a contentious issue.
She also addressed allegations of bias as unfounded, describing them as distractions that have delayed proceedings. Nessel mentioned that a public statement supporting her office from a local non-profit was communicated to the court, which she deemed improper. This action contributed to her decision to drop the charges.
"These distractions and ongoing delays have created a circus-like atmosphere to these proceedings," Nessel said. While she believes that a reasonable jury would find the defendants guilty based on evidence, she concluded that continuing with these cases is not an effective use of resources.