Columbia University Calls In Police To Clear Building
On Tuesday, a large number of New York Police Department officers swarmed Columbia University’s campus after the school finally gave permission for law enforcement to enter and help regain control of the situation. This came after pro-Hamas extremists illegally overtook a building on campus, leading to chaos and disruption.
The police officers arrived on campus wearing helmets and carrying zip ties and riot shields. They gathered outside Hamilton Hall, a building partially occupied by the pro-Hamas group, around a heavily armored vehicle that had a ladder deployed. This allowed officers to enter the building through an upstairs window.
NYPD lays out charges: “For the individuals that are inside the Hamilton Hall building, [they’ll be] charged with burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief and trespassing. The individuals that are on campus outside, they will be charged with trespassing and disorderly…
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 1, 2024
According to NBC News, the New York Police Department made dozens of arrests during the operation. They also removed multiple barricades and nearly cleared the building within a short period of time. Despite the intense situation, there were no reported injuries to police, students, or faculty.
In a letter to the NYPD, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik requested their assistance in regaining control of the campus. In her letter, Shafik stated that the university believes that outside extremists were responsible for much of the chaos and illegal occupation of the building.
WATCH: Hamas supporters at Columbia have a meltdown inside Hamilton Hall now that the NYPD is making arrests: “Fuck you. It’s finals. Can I go home?”
pic.twitter.com/pXSG2JImTh— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) May 1, 2024
“We believe that while the group who broke into the building includes students, it is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University,” Shafik wrote.
According to CBS New York reporter Ali Bauman, New York City Hall sources revealed that they have evidence that “the wife of a known terrorist is with protestors on Columbia University campus.” This post was later deleted by Bauman.
The incident at Columbia University began on Monday when a group of pro-Hamas demonstrators entered the campus and took over parts of the building. They claimed that they were protesting the recent violence in Palestine and showing solidarity with the Hamas group. The occupation led to canceled classes, blocked entrances, and widespread disruption on campus.
#NOW NYPD Drove BEARCAT into Columbia University, accessing occupied building through a window. Hundreds of cops continue to pour into the University.
Video by @yyeeaahhhboiii2 [email protected] to license pic.twitter.com/7w3COwAKKu
— Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) May 1, 2024
In response to the chaotic situation, Columbia University initially declined to involve law enforcement. However, as the situation escalated, the university changed its stance and requested the help of the New York Police Department.
The decision to involve law enforcement has sparked controversy and debate among students and faculty at Columbia University. Some believe that the university should have taken action sooner to remove the illegal occupiers, while others argue that involving the police is a violation of free speech and political expression.
The involvement of a known terrorist’s wife in the protest has also raised concerns about potential ties between pro-Hamas groups and terrorist organizations. This has led to calls for increased security measures and surveillance on college campuses to prevent future incidents.
Columbia University has since released a statement condemning the illegal occupation of the building and affirming its commitment to upholding free speech and expression on campus. The university also stated that they will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of their campus community.