300 arrested at Columbia and City College, Adams says

Police remove pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University's Hamilton Hall.

Columbia University Clears Protesters with NYPD Assistance

 

NEW YORK -- Columbia University took decisive action Tuesday, calling in the NYPD to clear protesters from its campus after nearly two weeks of demonstrations. The move came following escalating tensions as protesters set up a pro-Palestinian encampment on the school's main lawn.

 

Mayor Eric Adams stated that approximately 300 individuals were arrested in response to protests at Columbia and nearby City College of New York. The NYPD confirmed a total of 282 arrests, with 109 at Columbia and 173 at City College. The extent to which these arrests involved students remains unclear.

 

Addressing the situation, Mayor Adams expressed concern about the radicalization of young people, attributing the escalation to "outside agitators." "This is a global problem that young people are being influenced by those who are professionals at radicalizing our children," Adams remarked, emphasizing that the removal of the protesters from campus was a necessary step.

 

Protesters relocated to One Police Plaza overnight, awaiting the release of their comrades. Witnesses described a celebratory atmosphere, with cheers, food, supplies, and music.

 

One protester recounted his experience, detailing the hours-long processing and alleging mistreatment by authorities during the arrest. Despite complying with orders to leave the campus, he claimed to have been subject to excessive force, leaving visible marks from zip ties and bruising.

 

Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik's decision to involve the NYPD followed weeks of dialogue with protesters. Dozens were arrested during the operation, which targeted those occupying Hamilton Hall.

 

Acknowledging the involvement of outside influencers, Mayor Adams affirmed the necessity of police intervention. However, he refrained from providing specific details regarding these individuals.

 

The police response was significant, with officers assembling outside the campus and employing various tactics to clear the building and dismantle encampments. Flashbangs were used to disorient protesters as police secured Hamilton Hall and removed stacked furniture from stairwells.

 

In a letter to police, President Shafik cited a "clear and present danger" posed by the occupation and disruptions to campus life, necessitating emergency measures. The NYPD was requested to utilize LRAD technology to disperse encampment participants.

 

University officials asserted that the group behind the building occupation was led by non-affiliates, prompting their decision to involve law enforcement. Concerns for campus safety led to a request for police presence until May 17, beyond the school's commencement activities, to prevent the re-establishment of encampments.