(DCWatchdog.com) – In a major incident on the campus of Columbia University, 108 protestors were arrested following a request from the university’s president for law enforcement to dismantle the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” that opposes Israel.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrived at the scene over 30 hours after the protesters started the riot. They issued multiple dispersal warnings before proceeding with arrests on grounds of trespassing.
According to an official statement, two individuals faced charges of obstructing governmental administration alongside trespassing.
Police Commissioner Edward Caban remarked on the peaceful nature of the arrests and indicated that the judicial process would proceed as planned. Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar, was among those arrested.
Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the peaceful enforcement by the police and emphasized Columbia University students’ historical engagement in protest and advocacy.
He clarified that while free speech rights are upheld, they do not extend to violating university rules or disrupting the educational environment.
Adams also addressed the broader emotional impact of Middle Eastern conflicts on the community and asserted the right to express grief but condemn harassment or hate propagation.
Additionally, Columbia University Apartheid Divest organized the protest and encouraged student mobilization to impede police access and included chants advocating for an “intifada revolution” and actions against soldiers.
During the police action, a substantial audience of around 500 students witnessed and vocally criticized the officers. Officials responded by noting the disturbing nature of the protesters’ remarks.
The New York Post reported that police dismantled numerous tents set up by demonstrators following the riot.
Columbia President Minouche Shafik explained in an email her decision to involve the NYPD, which indicated that the encampment organizers breached multiple university policies.
She expressed regret over the failure to resolve the situation through dialogue and underlined her concurrent commitment in Washington, D.C., to addressing campus antisemitism before the House Education and Workforce Committee.
Isra Hirsi voiced determination on social media and outlined the protesters’ demands for divestment from entities linked to genocide and greater transparency in Columbia’s investment practices.
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