Law enforcement and George Mason University officials are investigating two leaders of the university’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter, sisters Jena and Noor Chanaa, in connection with a vandalism incident and alleged extremist rhetoric. The allegations have drawn national attention, particularly as anti-Israel protests on campuses escalate post-Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.

In August, activists spray-painted slogans such as “student intifada” on campus property, causing thousands of dollars in damages. Police suspect the Chanaa sisters spearheaded the incident. A subsequent search of their family home in November uncovered firearms, ammunition, and materials described in court documents as supportive of Hamas and Hezbollah. This included flags and slogans reading “death to America” and “death to Jews.” The weapons were seized under Virginia’s red flag law.

Jena and Noor, active leaders of George Mason’s SJP chapter, have previously expressed support for Hamas, glorifying “martyrs” and endorsing armed resistance against Israel in public statements and social media posts. Following the discovery of the vandalism and the search, George Mason University suspended the SJP chapter and barred the sisters from campus.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other advocacy groups have criticized the investigation, alleging targeting based on the sisters’ advocacy for Palestinian rights. However, officials stress that the findings warrant scrutiny. “It clearly shows the connection between potential radicalization and some of these student groups,” a state official said.

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