Missouri attorney general investigating Students for Justice in Palestine for terror ties

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri attorney general said Wednesday that her office is investigating a student group with a University of Missouri chapter for possible ties to fundraising for Islamic terrorists.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway cited "public reports from independent organizations" in her news release that "have raised concerns about SJP's fundraising representations and alleged links between its efforts and organizations whose resources may ultimately reach radical Islamist terrorist groups."

Students for Justice in Palestine has chapters across the country, including at the University of Missouri's Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis campuses. The Columbia campus chapter clashed with MU leaders over having a float in the university homecoming parade, and legal action over that issue continues in federal court.

A hearing was held in that case Wednesday morning in St. Louis.

The organization has been critical of Israel's war in Gaza, accusing Israel of genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip since an October 2023 terror attack by Hamas.

Hanaway's office says it is issuing civil investigative demands, a subpoena-like power enjoyed by the attorney general, to Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine and the national leadership of the student group to examine whether the group has engaged in deceptive practices regarding charitable donations.

ABC 17 News has asked Hanaway's office for more details related to the allegations against SJP.

The Anti-Defamation League, an organization devoted to fighting antisemitism, alleges SJP has used "foreign terrorist organization rhetoric" on social media, including praise for the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations was not immediately available for comment Wednesday morning. CAIR has represented SJP in its legal battles.

Check back for updates to this developing story.