Columbia University Clashes with Pro-Palestinian Protesters, Over 70 Arrested

A substantial number of pro-Palestinian activists were arrested at Columbia University after occupying part of the Butler Library. The incident led to injuries among security personnel and prompted a significant response from New York police at the request of university officials.

New York City witnessed a significant disruption at Columbia University on Wednesday when over 70 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested during a protest that escalated into the occupation of Butler Library. Columbia’s president, Claire Shipman, described the protesters' actions as "outrageous" after two security officers were reported injured during the incident.

Video footage circulating on social media captured scenes of chanting activists making their way into the library, many adorned in keffiyeh headscarves and masks, in a protest that defied restrictions previously imposed by the Trump administration. In light of the unrest, Shipman sought the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD), mentioning that a significant number of the protesters were not affiliated with the university.

According to the Columbia Spectator, a campus newspaper, the NYPD confirmed the state of emergency, stating they were addressing a situation of trespassing at the university's request. The protest led to vandalism, with demonstrators writing "free Palestine" on bookshelves, as tensions mounted between the protesters and safety officers who attempted to prevent exits from the occupied area.

Shipman condemned the disturbance, particularly as it coincided with vital study periods for students preparing for final exams. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reinforced a stance against violence and hate on campuses, emphasizing his commitment to safety.

In a defiant response, the protesters criticized the university for what they termed "violent repression," rejecting requests to show student IDs and standing firm against police intervention. This incident marks a return to heightened tensions at Columbia, recalling a similar protest in April 2024, which also demanded the university address accusations of antisemitism and harassment.

As political debates regarding university funding and campus freedoms rage on, Columbia remains in the spotlight, with implications from previous Trump administration policies still resonating through legislative and financial channels.