A Missouri judge issued and then quickly rescinded an arrest warrant for Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein after she failed to appear in court for an assault charge stemming from a 2024 protest at Washington University in St. Louis.
The case centers on two misdemeanor counts of trespassing and assault filed against Stein, who was charged in March 2025. The charges relate to an incident during an April 2024 pro-Palestinian protest at the university.
Judge Karma Johnson of the St. Louis Associate Circuit Court initially issued the warrant on Monday after Stein did not appear for a 9 a.m. hearing. However, the order was later withdrawn the same day after Stein’s defense counsel appeared before the judge, according to court documents.
A new hearing has been scheduled for September 14, with a note in the filing stating that a warrant will be issued if Stein fails to appear.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Court documents allege that during the April 2024 protest, Stein grabbed a bicycle ridden by a police officer and kicked another officer in the leg and groin area. The second officer later sought medical treatment and was diagnosed with a strained forearm and leg, as well as testicular contusions. The bicycle also allegedly struck the officer in the arm.
The protest was part of a larger demonstration over the war in Gaza, during which over 100 arrests were made when police dispersed the crowd. Only two individuals, including Stein, were charged in connection with the event.
Political Context and Background
Stein, who ran for president on the Green Party ticket in 2012, 2016, and 2024, has been a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights. She has repeatedly described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.” Stein is Jewish.
Her 2024 presidential campaign focused primarily on climate issues, and she received approximately 0.56% of the popular vote in that election.
The Green Party has not publicly commented on the legal proceedings beyond Stein’s ongoing case.