New York City police officers dressed in riot gear cleared out Columbia University’s pro-Hamas demonstrators on Tuesday night.
According to CNN, Columbia University President Nemak Shafik, requested police assistance for the second time in less than two weeks after protesters vandalized Hamilton Hall. By late evening, dozens of officers had arrived on campus, climbing through windows to arrest 75 protesters who had occupied the building for nearly twenty hours. The NYPD also dismantled an illegal tent encampment that anti-Israel demonstrators had refused to take down by the university’s Monday 2 pm deadline.
Dr. Shafik’s decision to involve the police in clearing anti-Israel demonstrations earlier this month drew sharp criticism from some students and faculty members. However, in a letter published by the university yesterday, Shafik stated that she had no other choice this time around.
With the support of the University’s Trustees, I have determined that the building occupation, the encampments, and related disruptions pose a clear and present danger to persons, property, and the substantial functioning of the university and require the use of emergency authority to protect persons and property,” she wrote.
“With the utmost regret, we request the NYPD’s help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments.”
In a separate incident on Tuesday evening, the NYPD arrested dozens of pro-Hamas demonstrators at City College in Harlem after protesters attempted to take over the Howard E. Wille Administration Building.
