Campus protests at New York University escalate as over 100 individuals are arrested | US News
Over 100 students and staff were detained at New York University (NYU) last night as demonstrations concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated.
In recent days, protests supporting Palestinians have intensified at some of the nation’s top educational institutions.
At NYU, Columbia, and Yale, protesters have issued various demands to their universities, such as terminating relations with Israeli institutions, taking stronger action regarding the war, and divesting from arms manufacturers linked to Israel.
This has created heightened tensions on campus, with some Jewish students expressing concerns about their safety.
Last night marked the latest developments in ongoing demonstrations at US universities. Pic Shutterstock
Since the Hamas attacks on 7 October and Israel’s subsequent response, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza, large demonstrations have swept through US universities.
Tensions peaked on Monday night as universities intervened and law enforcement became involved.
At NYU, police moved in after protesters failed to disperse by a 4pm deadline and alleged that non-affiliated individuals had joined the demonstration.
The plaza where many were protesting had tents set up, and there was also a presence of pro-Israel counter-protesters.
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In the evening, university staff formed a line to shield the protestors from police before being arrested themselves and taken into custody.
During confrontations with officers, demonstrators chanted, “We will not stop, we will not rest. Disclose. Divest.”
Reports indicated that police used mace on protesters, with one student noting its liberal application.
A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed that 120 individuals were apprehended – with 116 released and issued summonses for trespass, and the remaining four receiving desk appearance tickets for more serious charges.
NYPD deputy commissioner Kaz Daughtry mentioned that the university had requested police presence, stating: “Our officers responded promptly to disperse the crowd and make necessary arrests.”
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Reports from Yale University in Connecticut indicated that protests expanded to include numerous individuals, resulting in summonses issued to 47 students by the Yale Police Department.
The university confirmed that there were no incidents of violence or injuries during the demonstrations and that the students cooperated peacefully.
Additionally, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have emerged at the University of Michigan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
NYPD, NYU, and Columbia have been contacted for further comments.
