Police arrest over 100 individuals during pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University
The Columbia University’s president authorized the New York Police Department to clear an encampment set up by protesters on campus, leading to multiple arrests.
More than 100 people were arrested on Thursday at Columbia University’s campus as they protested against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that 108 individuals were arrested for trespassing on the university’s property, emphasizing that no violence occurred during the incident.
During a press conference, Mayor Adams reiterated students’ right to free speech while underscoring that disrupting campus activities is not permitted.
The arrests were made following Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik’s approval for the NYPD to remove the encampment from the campus’s South Lawn.
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President Shafik had issued warnings to the students at the encampment, offering discussions if they dispersed, but these offers were declined.
She expressed regret for taking these steps due to the circumstances and violations of rules and policies by the encampment’s organizers.
In a letter dated April 18 to the NYPD, Shafik requested the removal of the individuals at the encampment, citing it as a threat to the university’s operations.
Several students from Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia, have been suspended for participating in the encampment, including Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.).
Isra Hirsi, in a tweet, expressed shock at her suspension, citing solidarity with Palestinians.
A congressional committee accused President Shafik of failing to protect Jewish students on campus, prompting her to address the presence of anti-Semitism and actions taken against those involved.
Protesters at Columbia have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, and divestment from companies profiting from Israeli actions.
The encampment was organized by student groups like Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace.
Incidents at the university have included unauthorized protests and complaints of anti-Semitic behavior towards Jewish students.
Other signs on campus have displayed messages like “Zionist Donors and Trustees Hands Off Our University” and “Zionism is Terrorism.”
Jackson Richman and Reuters contributed to this report.
