NYPD leaders and Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday blamed outside agitators for illegally occupying a Columbia University building as authorities called on Ivy League student protesters to stop.
“This is to serve their own purposes,” Adams said. He spoke about the outside group at a news conference Tuesday. “They are not here to promote peace and unity and peaceful expression with one voice, but to create discord and division.”
“We cannot and will not allow what should be a peaceful gathering to turn into a violent spectacle that serves no purpose. We will not wait until this situation becomes more serious. “We can’t do that,” the mayor said.
The NYPD’s intelligence and counterterrorism unit first realized they were dealing with a hostile mob late Tuesday night, when dozens of agitators burst into Hamilton Hall — an anti-terrorism unit. This is a significant escalation of protests at Israeli student camps.
“We’re seeing tactics change in a way that puts public safety at risk,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said. “These once peaceful protests are being exploited by outside professional agitators. The safety of all students, faculty and staff is now a concern.”
Early Tuesday morning, the group violently invaded a building they named “Hind Hall” in honor of Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed in the Middle East conflict, and destroyed metal barricades, tables and chairs. etc. were used. Material for sealing inside.
One shocking video A protester with a hammer was seen smashing through a glass door and placing what appeared to be a bicycle lock on the handlebars, while another image showed a man scuffling with campus security. It was in the picture.
The group was also seen smashing cameras, climbing walls and throwing school property out of windows.
One of the instigators was identified as Lisa Fitian, a professional protester who has raised hell across the country through countless movements since the 1970s.
“These protests have been, and continue to be, influenced by external actors unaffiliated with the university, including those who have been involved in dangerous and disruptive activities related to the protests. Sometimes these include people who have been known to our department for years for criminal activity, and others,” Rebecca Ulam said. Mr. Weiner is the New York Police Department’s Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
Some of the rioters were also reported to the New York City Police Department by Columbia University, which confirmed they had no ties to the prestigious school.
The NYPD is concerned that dozens of agitators are directing peaceful student demonstrators to follow their lead.
“We believe these tactics are the result of guidance given to students by some outside parties,” Ulam Weiner said.
“This is an escalation of the violence that began last night at Columbia. We want this protest to continue, not within one building on one campus, but as protests to other universities and other cities. We are in constant dialogue with Columbia University officials and other partners and are ready to respond.”
Caban emphasized that if the university requests assistance, the New York City Police Department will intervene and remove the instigators. This is similar to when the NYPD helped clear tent cities when they were first built.
Once the NYPD moves in, the occupants of Hamilton Hall will be charged with third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and trespassing, officials said.
Michael M. Santiago/UPI/Shutterstock
Anyone who remains on campus lawns despite Columbia University’s warning to leave by 2 p.m. Monday faces charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Meanwhile, Mr Adams urged students to distance themselves from violent groups before it is too late.
“If you are a parent or guardian of a student, call your child and ask them to leave the situation before it escalates. This is for your own safety and the safety of others. “These outside parties are clearly not students, and their presence on campus violates Columbia University’s clearly established policies,” Adams said.
Ms Cavan added: “To parents, and I say this as a father of a college student myself: Be careful where your kids are. Be careful what they’re involved in. If you’re not sure, contact the university or the NYPD. Or take the situation seriously. You should take this situation seriously, too.”
