Late Wednesday at Columbia University, a significant number of pro-Palestinian activists were arrested after they disrupted the library, resulting in injuries to two public security officers.
Claire Shipman, the university’s president, stated that the school had to request assistance from the New York Police Department (NYPD) after protesters blocked access to the Butler Library and gathered outside the building.
Despite multiple warnings, individuals involved refused to leave or identify themselves, leading to charges of trespassing.
“Having the NYPD on campus was not our desired outcome, but ensuring the safety of our community was crucial,” Shipman explained.
“The interference with our academic functions is unacceptable and breaches our established regulations, particularly as students are preparing for final exams. Columbia strongly denounces anti-Semitism and any violence that fosters hatred and discrimination.
According to reports from the Associated Press, at least 80 protesters were arrested. Social media footage depicted demonstrators waving the Palestinian flag and showing an image that read, ‘Columbia burns out.’
Further comments were sought from the NYPD.
The protest drew criticism from New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D), Governor Kathy Hochul (D), and officials from the Trump administration.
“Everyone is entitled to protest peacefully. However, any form of violence, vandalism, or property destruction is completely unacceptable,” Hochul shared on X.
The Trump administration has been actively addressing pro-Palestinian protests since spring of the previous year, reportedly targeting students’ visas, pursuing deportations, and scrutinizing institutions like Columbia.
“We are currently examining the visa status of individuals who invaded the library at Columbia University. Such disruptive elements are not welcome in our nation,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X.
Additionally, the Trump administration has frozen hundreds of millions in federal funding to Columbia, accusing the university of failing to protect students from anti-Semitic acts.
This protest marks one of the largest demonstrations at Columbia since last year’s events.
