In a dramatic turn of events at Columbia University, the NYPD apprehended numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had taken over Hamilton Hall and the encampment on Tuesday night.
Around 9 p.m., the NYPD arrived on campus in response to what they perceived as an escalation in the threat level. According to police, external agitators were exacerbating tensions with student protesters, prompting the need for intervention.
In a statement, the university expressed that upon learning of the protesters’ unauthorized entry into Hamilton Hall, where they engaged in acts of vandalism and blockade, they felt compelled to permit police intervention. Additionally, the university asserted that the group responsible for the occupation was led by individuals not associated with the institution.
Mayor Eric Adams, joined by NYPD officials, emphasized the urgency of the situation on Tuesday evening, stating that they could not afford to wait for the situation to escalate further and that decisive action was necessary to resolve the matter.
“Over the past few weeks, we have observed that the protests have been co-opted by professional outside agitators,” Mayor Adams said. “These individuals are not affiliated with Columbia and are creating serious public safety issues.”
Footage captured on Tuesday depicted demonstrators at Columbia University linking arms and transporting furniture and metal barriers to Hamilton Hall, having breached a glass door.
In response, the university issued a statement indicating that those involved in the protest would be subject to expulsion.
“By escalating their actions to damaging property, breaking doors and windows, and obstructing entrances, protesters have chosen an unsustainable course of action. We are implementing the consequences outlined earlier,” the university’s statement read.
Prior to the arrival of law enforcement in Morningside Heights on Tuesday evening, Columbia’s emergency management operations team advised students to shelter in place as a precautionary measure. Shortly after, police, outfitted in helmets and shields, entered Hamilton Hall, which had been occupied by protesters.
