The New York City police department (NYPD) on Wednesday raided the Columbia Pro-Palestine protests and arrested more than 300 people from the campus. The police took action after the university called for action against the protestor holding the Columbia University Hamilton Hall since April 30.
University’s letter for action
The University President Minouche Shafik in a letter on Wednesday, addressing the action of the police noted that “this drastic escalation of many months of protest activity pushed the University to the brink, creating a disruptive environment for everyone and raising safety risks to an intolerant level.”
Her first responsibility at university was safety and thus she decided to call the police to stop the encampment at Hamilton Hall along with smaller encampments.
The president noted the growing antisemitic behavior on the campus especially during the protests made by some individuals. The students and activists also broke hall doors, mistreated public safety officers and maintenance staff, and damaged properties. The university said that this is not part of political speech but destruction.
Police takes action
The NYPD raided the Hall after the universities’ request and cracked down on the protestors.
The decision to crackdown was a collective decision by the NYPD police, Columbia University and the city college. The NYPD Deputy Commissioner Weiner in conversation with PIX11News justified the use of riot gear, chains and breaking of barricades as a means of the safety of the police officers against the protestors. She called the raid trained, practised and extremely organized for the most part.
The entries of the Hall were blocked so the police used a ramp to break into the hall.
Earlier today, @NYPDCT Deputy Commissioner Weiner sat down with @PIX11News to discuss arrests at last nights @Columbia & @CityCollegeNY protests.
Watch more on this interview⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fkhZF3ToFT
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 1, 2024
NYPD eyes external agitators
The police also saw some foreign agitators on the campus which influenced their decision. Replying to the question about external agitators, Weiner said that the college needs to go back to its regular course where students study, take tests and indulge in educational and college activities. She blamed the external agitators for changing the situation and causing destruction.
The Police also noted the presence of the wife of Sami Al-Arian. He is a convicted terrorist involved in Islamic Palestinian jihad. There were people taking advantage of the situation and also separately police recognized several professional protesters who were involved in protests regarding several other incidents.
After the raid, the police released several pictures of vandalized furniture, doors and windows.
Further action
The police are still sorting out the college students and professional agitators. No injuries were reported.
The university has asked the police to stay on the campus and provide security till the 17th of May.
.@NYCMayor Eric Adams & Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard joined @Morning_Joe to discuss last night’s police response to protests and outside agitators.
Watch the full interview ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/akBEQJmnCN
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 1, 2024
