Tensions flared once again at Columbia University on Wednesday, as the New York Police Department (NYPD) detained at least 80 individuals following a pro-Palestinian protest that saw demonstrators occupy part of the university’s main library. The incident echoes similar protests last spring, which positioned Columbia as a central point in nationwide campus activism concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The NYPD confirmed on Thursday that the arrests occurred the previous night after individuals disregarded verbal warnings to disperse. Of those detained, 78 were issued orders to appear in court, while two received summonses.
According to an emailed statement from the NYPD on Wednesday evening, officers were dispatched to the campus at the “direct request” of Columbia University due to individuals trespassing and occupying Butler Library.
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Claire Shipman, the newly appointed acting president of Columbia, stated that two university public safety officers sustained injuries during the incident. In her statement, Shipman explained that the university sought NYPD intervention due to “the number of individuals participating in the disruption inside and outside of the building, a large group of people attempting to force their way into Butler Library creating a safety hazard, and what we believe to be the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the University.”
The campus protest movement, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, claimed responsibility for the library occupation on social media. The group stated their action aimed to “show that as long as Columbia funds and profits from imperialist violence, the people will continue to disrupt Columbia’s profits and legitimacy.”
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In response to the events, Acting President Shipman asserted, “Disruptions to our academic activities will not be tolerated and are violations of our rules and policies.” She further emphasized, “Columbia strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, some of which we witnessed today.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the situation on X, affirming the city’s commitment to defending the right to peaceful protest but stating it “will never tolerate lawlessness.”
The recent unrest follows a period of heightened tension between the Trump administration and Columbia University. In recent weeks, the administration pulled approximately $400 million in federal funding from the institution over allegations of antisemitism on campus. Additionally, federal agents recently arrested a leader of a Columbia protest.
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Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday night that he is “reviewing the visa status” of the Columbia pro-Palestinian protesters.
The Trump administration’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism issued a statement on Thursday expressing its “encouragement” by Acting President Shipman’s “strong and resolute statement regarding the unlawful, violent and disgraceful takeover of Butler Library.” The task force noted that it had taken “early action” at the university due to what it described as a “record of failures.” It further stated that Shipman “has stepped in to lead Columbia at a critical juncture and has met the moment with fortitude and conviction.”
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