Columbia University’s iconic Hamilton Hall resembles a battlefield after terrorists smashed windows, barricaded themselves, destroyed furniture and caused untold damage during their occupation of the building. became.
The Ivy League school finally asked the NYPD to enter Hamilton Hall just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, and officers used a huge armored vehicle to wedge a bridge into a second-floor window, occupying the space from the night before. They removed the protesters who had begun to do so.
Images show the occupiers had piled up chairs in doorways, stairs and hallways, perhaps as temporary barriers to prevent police access.
Emergency services officers wearing riot shields were seen removing obstacles and forcing entry through doors to gain access to the unruly mob.
Numerous windows throughout the building were broken and photographs were taken of them shattering into pieces.
In the courtyard outside the building, demonstrators’ trash and belongings were strewn all over the ground.
NYPD spokesman Carlos Nieves said officers used four distraction devices that were described as “very loud noises to distract people” to enter the school building.
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Dozens of detained protesters were seen being taken from the Columbia University campus onto buses by NYPD officers after police used zip ties and made multiple arrests.
Several demonstrators continued to shout anti-Israel sentiments while police removed them.
Arrests continued after the attack on Hamilton Hall, and police cleared the encampment, including some of the demonstrators off campus.
About 100 protesters were arrested in the large-scale sweep, officials said.
Nieves confirmed that Hamilton Hall was safe and that anti-Israel encampments on campus had been completely cleared after authorities stormed the campus.
Nieves said there were no reports of injuries.
The NYPD announced early Tuesday that the occupants of Hamilton Hall will be charged with third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and trespassing.
Anyone camping on the lawn will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Columbia University released a statement just 15 minutes after officers entered campus, saying it “regrets” that it had to rely on police to clear up the chaos.
“After the university learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized and put on lockdown, we were left with no choice.” statement read.
“Columbia public safety personnel were removed from the building and members of our facilities team were threatened. We will not jeopardize the safety of our community or the possibility of further escalation.”
The Colombian government added that the decision was taken to “restore safety and order to our communities.”
“We believe the group that broke into and occupied the building was led by individuals not affiliated with the university.Sadly, this risky decision comes after more than a week of discussions with representatives of the West Lawn camp. The decision was made after many productive discussions.
For updates on the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, follow the Post’s live blog
Approximately 45 minutes before the NYPD stormed the campus, Columbia University ordered students to shelter in place due to “increased activity” on its Morningside campus, and students who did not comply were subject to “disciplinary action.” he warned.
