Columbia University issued a statement following reports that New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers had begun raiding the campus.
“Tonight, shortly after 9 p.m., the NYPD arrived on campus at the request of the university.” statement That’s what the university told me. “This decision was made to restore safety and order to our community.”
Hours after anti-Israel protests took over Hamilton Hall, an academic building on campus, NYPD officers in riot gear were recorded preparing to enter Columbia University.
Anti-Israel protesters were captured on video smashing the building’s glass doors, barricading themselves inside and hanging pro-Palestinian banners on the windows.
Columbia University announced it would restrict access to campus for the remainder of the spring semester after protesters occupied the building.
#breaking news Police entered Columbia University and began a raid. pic.twitter.com/SCWZOPDuw5
— Oliya Scooter Caster (@ScooterCasterNY) May 1, 2024
The university’s statement continued:
We regret that the protesters chose to escalate the situation by their actions. After the university learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and put on lockdown, we had no choice. Columbia public safety personnel were removed from the building and members of the facilities team were threatened. We will not jeopardize the safety of our community or the possibility of further escalation.
New York City police officers saw Several protesters were removed and arrested.
🚨 – NYPD begins arresting protesters and agitators at Columbia University.
Tactical units also moved in to clear parts of the campus that were barricaded. pic.twitter.com/JJb6Q6iM2m
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) May 1, 2024
Before protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, Columbia University had given them a deadline of 2 p.m. Monday to leave the camp.
