Columbia University said it “regrets” having to call the New York City Police Department to remove anti-Israel demonstrators Tuesday night, but said it “had no other choice.”
University administrators released a statement saying they believe non-student agitators were the ones who led the invasion and occupation of Hamilton Hall. The university then asked the NYPD to take action.
“We regret that the protesters chose to escalate the situation by their actions. After learning that Hamilton Hall was occupied, vandalized and locked down overnight at the university, we “We no longer have a choice,” the administrators said in a statement. “Columbia public safety officers were removed from the building and members of our facilities team were also threatened. We will not jeopardize the safety of our community or the possibility of further escalation.”
“Our leadership team, including our Board of Trustees, met throughout the night and into the early morning hours, consulting with security experts and law enforcement to determine the best plan to protect our students and the entire Columbia community. made this decision early in the morning, stating that this is a law enforcement matter and that the NYPD is in the best position to determine and implement the appropriate response,” the statement added. Ta.
Video of anti-Israel protesters disrupting a Jewish student’s class.University of California, Los Angeles responds
New York City Police Department officers entered the Columbia University building and detained anti-Israel protesters who had barricaded themselves in the iconic Hamilton Hall building in New York, USA.
The university added that it believed the group that entered the building was “led by individuals not affiliated with the university.”
Administrators lamented the loss of communication between the school and the protesters. Colombian authorities held talks with protesters last week, but the talks ended in an impasse.
University of California reveals ‘true cost’ of anti-Israel mob takeover of academic facilities
“The decision to contact the NYPD is in response to the actions of the protesters and not to the cause they champion. We have made it clear that this cannot be suspended indefinitely,” the school said.
Columbia University and student demonstrators. (Getty Images)
“Early Tuesday morning, protesters chose to escalate the situation into an alarming and intolerable situation, destroying property, smashing doors and windows, blocking entrances, and forcing the evacuation of facilities and public safety personnel. As we have long made clear, we are responding appropriately. The safety of our community, especially our students, remains our top priority.”
Video of anti-Israel protesters disrupting a Jewish student’s class.University of California, Los Angeles responds
In New York City, New York City police officers wearing riot gear entered a Columbia University building where anti-Israel students had barricaded themselves inside the building and set up a camp. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)
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The protests at Columbia University are just one example of anti-Israel demonstrations taking place on campuses across the country. Police were also called to disperse the camp at the University of California, Los Angeles, late Tuesday.
