NYPD storms Columbia University again

University president Minouche Sha k has also asked the NYPD to maintain a presence on campus at least till May 17 to prevent further encampments or occupations.

On April 18, Ms. Sha k’s decision to authorise the NYPD’s sweep of the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment”, which led to the arrest of over 100 protesters, had left many community members stunned. Over 100 faculty members from the university on April 22 gathered on the campus for a walkout to condemn the suspension and arrests of students and call for amnesty and protection of academic freedom.

According to the NYPD, protesters had barricaded the halls with soda machines, chairs and other furniture. Meanwhile student protestors alleged that the NYPD oªcials turned o¥ their body cameras while entering the building.

Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the coalition organising the encampment protest, said, “Columbia admin and NYPD prevented Columbia’s volunteer student-run EMS service (CUEMS) from treating students injured by police violence on campus. People who called for help on campus were unable to access medical attention.”

In her letter to the NYPD, Ms. Sha k wrote, “As we have discussed, in the early morning of April 30, 2024, a group of individuals entered Hamilton Hall for the purpose of occupying the building. The building was closed at the time the students entered. An individual hid in the building until after it closed and let the other individuals in.”

“There were two security guards inside. We were able to secure their release. We believe that while the group who broke into the building includes students, it is led by individuals who are not aªliated with the University. The individuals who have occupied Hamilton Hall have vandalised university property and are trespassing,” she added.

The move also came shortly after New York Mayor Eric Adams said in a press conference at 6 p.m. that the protest at Columbia University “has basically been co-opted by professional outside agitators” who intend to sow chaos.

In a press conference on Wednesday morning, Mr. Adams said, “Once I became aware of the outside agitators who were part of this operation, as Columbia mentioned in their letter and their request with the New York City Police Department, it was clear we had to take appropriate actions, when our intelligence division identi ed those who were professionals, well trained.”

(Anisha Dutta is a freelance journalist based in New York)