At least 300 people were arrested at Columbia University and the City College of New York Tuesday night as police cracked down on the anti-Israel protests that have dominated campuses in recent weeks.
New York City mayor Eric Adams announced during a Wednesday morning press conference that police had arrested 119 people who barricaded themselves in the admissions building on Columbia’s campus. City officials believe outside agitators were responsible for the dramatic escalation that occurred Tuesday, when protesters occupied the building after refusing to disperse from an encampment erected on the campus quad three weeks earlier.
“There is a movement to radicalize young people,” Adams said. “I’m not going to allow that to happen.”
During an appearance on MSNBC Wednesday morning, NYPD deputy commissioner Tarik Sheppard displayed the heavy-duty chain and bike lock that were used to lock the front door to the admissions building, arguing that the equipment suggested support from outside agitators.
Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard shows the chains used to secure Hamilton Hall at Columbia University.
“This is not what students bring to school. This is what professionals bring to campuses and universities.” pic.twitter.com/fwFUPZlIj7
— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) May 1, 2024
Another 173 anti-Israel protesters were arrested at City College, police said.
Hundreds of police officers equipped with riot gear stormed into the admissions building late Tuesday night, using a bearcat vehicle to enter through a second-floor window. NYPD assistant commissioner Carlos Nieves explained that officers had to clear doorways blockaded with vending machines and furniture to reach the protesters inside.
The raid began after the NYPD received a letter from Columbia president Minouche Shafik authorizing officers to move onto campus, marking the second time the university administration had called in help from the police.
Columbia’s property, including Hamilton Hall, was cleared of all pro-Palestinian protesters by around 11 p.m. Tuesday, less than two hours after the law-enforcement raid began.
Large numbers of protesters could be seen getting arrested, zip-tied, and escorted onto buses.
The police department denied using tear gas when clashing with protesters; flash-bang grenades and other “distraction devices” were used instead, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
“The decision to reach out to the NYPD was in response to the actions of the protesters, not the cause they are championing,” university spokesman Ben Chang said in a statement. “We have made it clear that the life of campus cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules and the law.”
The building occupation was believed to have been led by people not affiliated with the university, Chang added.
The protest encampment that had been going strong on the university quad for over a week was also dismantled early Wednesday morning.
In addition to clearing out all encampments, Shafik asked city police to maintain a presence on campus for at least two more weeks.
“In light of the activities that occurred after the events of April 17-18, 2024, we further request that you retain a presence on campus through at least May 17, 2024 to maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished,” Shafik wrote in the letter to NYPD deputy commissioner Michael Gerber. The school’s commencement is scheduled for May 15.
Columbia students were previously ordered to shelter in place, according to an email late Tuesday. “Shelter in place for your safety due to heightened activity on the Morningside campus. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action. Avoid the area until further notice,” Columbia’s Emergency Management Operations Team told students.
Hours earlier, Mayor Adams urged students to walk away and blamed “professional outside agitators” for co-opting the pro-Palestinian student movement. The campus was closed off to everyone except residents and essential personnel while police conducted the raid.