Columbia University came under fire from various quarters on Tuesday for refusing to deploy police to quell an anti-Israel mob that illegally occupied campus buildings.
Hours after scores of violent protesters stormed and began occupying historic Hamilton Hall, the Ivy League school remained open hours after using hammers to smash through windows and manhandling students who tried to stop the anarchy. Officials did nothing and have not yet contacted the NYPD. to deal with the mayhem.
Instead, only school stated in a statement On Tuesday afternoon, authorities announced that the rioters had been suspended for “destroying property, breaking doors and windows, and blocking entrances” and that at least some of them could be expelled.
“It’s time to end it,” former NYPD lieutenant and current state Rep. Mike Riley (R-Staten Island) furiously told the Post, referring to hooliganism that has gotten out of control.
“I think it’s long past time for governors and mayors to punish people who are destroying property and trying to prevent students from going to class with what they deserve,” Riley said. said.
“Those who damage property or obstruct access of others need to be arrested.”
Matthew Schweber, a lawyer and member of the Manhattan Ivy League Jewish Alumni Association, said: “For the past six months, the administration has been paralyzed, and faculty have defended, and in some cases incited, student rioters.” ” he said indignantly.
“Together they condoned calls for an intifada on campus. The violence that has erupted is a direct result of their abdication. It must stop now.”
The inflammatory term “intifada” refers to an uprising, and this context also includes the “Second Intifada” from 2000 to 2005, when Palestinian terrorists killed hundreds of civilians.
Students have been protesting Israel’s heavy military response in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas began a deadly massacre in Israel on October 7.
Congressman Adriano Espaira (D-Bronx) added to tweet“Vandalism and lawbreaking are not part of the fabric of American values, democracy, and peaceful protest.
“Anti-Semitism should never be tolerated and what we witnessed last night in @Colombia is unacceptable.”
The NYPD said it could not enter the campus to quell the rioters and restore order unless Columbia authorities submitted a written request for their presence.
That’s because the university is considered private property and police have not seen anything beyond “harm to life” or property damage that would warrant intervention, law enforcement officials said. Ta.
Asked about the state sending in the National Guard, Mayor Eric Adams told reporters Tuesday that the NYPD can handle the crisis.
“We don’t need the National Guard,” he said, an assertion echoed by a representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said the state would leave the calling up to the NYPD.
About 100 officers from the department’s elite Strategic Response Group, which primarily responds to sudden crises, were converging on Randall Island and ready to enter the school grounds if needed, officials said.
“And as of right now, the NYPD is ready at any time, unless there is a special request or “Unless that’s the case, I’m not going to be on Columbia property.” There is an immediate danger, there is an immediate emergency, we have to go to the premises…someone is screaming for help, someone needs help, someone is hurt, we… Go to the premises to deal with the situation.
“Right now, if someone who’s been involved in some kind of scuffle or skirmish calls us and says, ‘I’ve been attacked and I want to call the police,’ we’re going to investigate that and we’re going to take action.” That’s it. said Madrid.
“But if the call is not received, it is up to the complainant to make the call, investigate and make an arrest.”
Adams continued to complain about the protesters, but stopped short of criticizing the university for not taking more decisive action.
“You cannot use violence to seek peace. That is unacceptable,” Hizzoner said.
But “we want to be respectful.” [school officials’] They have the right to decide when they want police involvement, and if they ask us to do so, we will do everything we can to minimize the risk of harm to faculty, students, or law enforcement personnel in any way. We intend to take necessary measures by force. ” Adams said.
“The NYPD is doing a great job and striking the right balance,” he asserted. “If there is a need [for] Additional resources, we know how to get them [them]”
A Hochul city spokesperson said the province was leaving the mess up to the city.
“As the Governor has previously stated, she has the utmost respect for the men and women of New York City’s local law enforcement agency, the NYPD,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“We continue to work with them to keep everyone safe and will provide additional assistance if they request it.”
When asked by the Post on Tuesday why the NYPD had not yet been called in to quell the unrest, Mr. Columbia declined to comment.
The campus was placed on lockdown following the unrest, and some irate students at the school said they could not even get food as many cafeterias were closed.
Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden
