Smoke Bomb Incident at CUNY Demonstration
Prosecutors have acknowledged that a smoke bomb was discharged into a courtroom during an anti-Israel demonstration on a university campus two years ago. This incident resulted in significant damage to the roof of a City University of New York building.
Ahmed Etman, who is 23, pleaded guilty on April 16 to charges of fourth-degree arson, a felony, alongside disorderly conduct as part of a deal with Manhattan’s prosecutors, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
On April 28, 2025, while still a student, Etman ignited a smoke bomb that caused substantial damage to the Marshak Science Museum amid a loud protest against Israel during the Gaza conflict, as detailed in a criminal complaint.
The complaint noted that fire marshals from the FDNY discovered remnants of a smoke bomb on the building’s roof.
Initial estimates pegged the damage at around $250,000, but further assessments revealed that the actual cost was $6,291, as stated by the district attorney’s office on Friday.
Etman was arrested over a year later in July 2025, facing additional charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and possession of counterfeit instruments; however, those charges were later dropped.
A law enforcement official remarked to the Post, “Campus police collaborated with both the NYPD and the Fire Department for this arrest. This protest situation should have never escalated so much.”
In the days leading up to Etman’s actions, demonstrators opposing Israeli military actions in Gaza had established an encampment on CCNY’s campus, which disrupted normal campus activities.
As part of his plea deal, Etman, now no longer a student, has committed to repaying $6,291 and completing 100 hours of community service, as per the District Attorney’s Office.
A spokesperson for the school emphasized, “The safety of CCNY students and staff remains our highest priority. This individual is no longer enrolled here.”
If he maintains a clean record over the next year, he could potentially withdraw his felony plea and face conditional release regarding the disorderly conduct charge.
His upcoming court date is set for October 15, although his attorney declined to provide comments as of Friday.
