New Hampshire: 3 arrested for vandalizing Israeli defense company building

They face riot, sabotage, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct charges.

By JNS

Calla Mairead Walsh, 19, who is part of the boycott Israel movement in Boston and the antisemitic “Mapping Project,” was among three activists arrested on Tuesday in Merrimack, N.H.

Walsh, 22-year-old Sophie Marika Ross, and 27-year-old Bridget Irene Shergalis allegedly vandalized a building belonging to Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. They face riot, sabotage, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct charges.

After protesters, who had been blocking the road, dispersed and allowed police officers to pass, the officers found that anti-Israel activists had spray-painted the building red, smashed windows and put a lock on a door to the main lobby. Police arrested the three, who had gotten on the building roof, where smoke had been seen.

Police reportedly found an “incendiary device” on one of the suspects, which was the sort of apparatus that matched the smoke coming off the roof. The roof was also reportedly vandalized, with windows broken and damage to the ventilation system.

“The antisemitism, hate and significant damage brought to Elbit America’s campus yesterday has no place in New Hampshire and will not be tolerated,” wrote New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican. “I am confident law enforcement will work to bring those responsible for this vile act of hate to swift justice.”

“What happened at Elbit in Merrimack yesterday was an act of vandalism—not free speech. At a time of rising antisemitism in America, this must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” wrote Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). “I’m grateful to law enforcement for keeping Elbit employees safe.”

“Free speech and peaceful protest make our democracy stronger, but vandalism is a crime. I am grateful for law enforcement’s quick response,” wrote Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Ann McLane Kuster wrote similar things.

The New York Sun identified the 27-year-old Shergalis as the child Disney star.

Walsh and Ross were also among nine who were arrested on Oct. 30 while protesting Elbit, this time in Cambridge, Mass. The two were charged with vandalizing property and disorderly conduct.

Calla Walsh, known to endorse both BDS Boston & the Mapping Project, has been arrested along with 2 others after vandalizing the Elbit Systems building in NH. All 3 have been charged with riot, sabotage, criminal mischief, criminal trespass & disorderly conduct. We thank law…

— ADL (@ADL) November 21, 2023

The Mapping Project, in which Walsh is involved, identified Jewish institutions in Boston by name and address. It has been linked to Iran.

She was previously profiled on NPR and in The New York Times for her progressive activism, including on a digital campaign to elect Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), as well as work for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and the presidential campaigns of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-V.t.), per the Daily Caller.

anti-SemitismElbit SystemsVandalism