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| On Tuesday, riot gear-clad NYPD officers break into a Columbia University building that is being blocked off by pro-Palestinian protestors. |
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has reported the arrest of 282 pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University and the City College of New York on Tuesday night, with additional arrests occurring at Fordham University on Wednesday.
This development holds significance as it marks the most significant escalation in the Ivy League school's response to the ongoing demonstrations, which have become a focal point of the nationwide campus movement in support of Palestinians.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, announced via X that individuals who refused to disperse from an unlawful encampment at Fordham were placed under arrest.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, emphasized that while some students were involved in the effort to breach and barricade buildings at Columbia, the leadership came from individuals unaffiliated with the university. Among the 282 demonstrators arrested, 109 were from Columbia and 173 were from CCNY, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.
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| On Tuesday, NYPD officers made arrests of Columbia University students in New York City. |
The police operation began around 9 pm local time on Tuesday, with officers dispersing protesters and journalists from the area near Hamilton Hall on Columbia's campus, where demonstrators had barricaded themselves.
Columbia has initiated disciplinary actions, including suspensions and threats of expulsion, against students who refused to vacate the encampment. CCNY has announced the transition to online classes amidst ongoing protests on its campus.
Police transported protesters in custody via buses, with reports indicating the removal of the encampment. Though there were allegations of tear gas use, NYPD Assistant Commissioner of Public Information, Carlos Nieve, denied it, stating that the NYPD does not employ tear gas.
Some Columbia faculty members criticized the heavy police presence, noting that attempts to mediate were rebuffed by the campus administration.
University president Minouche Shafik defended the decision to involve the NYPD, citing the need to protect individuals and property amidst escalating disruptions. Shafik requested police presence on campus until May 17, two days post-scheduled commencement.
Columbia intends to proceed with its commencement, emphasizing its commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative thinking.
Recent pro-Palestinian protests have prompted universities nationwide to balance students' First Amendment rights with ensuring the safety of all students, particularly Jewish students who may feel threatened by the demonstrations. Similar incidents of mass arrests and police intervention have occurred at other institutions across the country.