NYPD intervenes in pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University, resulting in over 100 arrests

Over 100 people were arrested by New York Police Department officers for criminal trespass at Columbia University. The pro-Palestinian protest started the day before while the university's president was speaking about antisemitism to a House committee. The individuals were taken into custody without resistance. The university filed the complaint since the incident happened on its property.

Columbia University President Nemat "Minouche" Shafik appeared before the House Education and the Workforce Committee in Washington, U.S., on April 17, 2024. She was there to discuss Columbia University's response to antisemitism.

Ken Cedeno/Reuters

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Columbia President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik testified before the House education committee in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, a group of protesters, including students and faculty, gathered in upper Manhattan, setting up tents and signs early Wednesday morning.

Later in the day, there were rallies held by both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. Several individuals holding Palestinian flags got into arguments with police officers. The police had started surrounding the protesters with barricades, as reported by CNN affiliate WCBS. In footage from WCBS, pro-Palestinian demonstrators were shown having conflicts with the police, with some even setting small fires. One woman was seen being taken away in handcuffs.

Four individuals were taken into custody by the NYPD last night during demonstrations at Columbia University. The police did not mention the specific charges brought against them and provided no further information regarding the arrests.

Police officers detain pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up an encampment on the South Lawn at Columbia University in New York, on Thursday afternoon.

Police officers detain pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up an encampment on the South Lawn at Columbia University in New York, on Thursday afternoon.

C.S. Muncy/The New York Times/Redux

Columbia closed the gates to campus during Wednesday's protests, restricting entry to only those with Columbia IDs. Some of the pro-Palestinian protesters linked to Columbia stayed overnight on campus.

The following day, Shafik penned a letter to the NYPD, seeking assistance in "removing these individuals."

The president expressed that the actions of these individuals go against University rules and policies. She mentioned that the University had given several notices and warnings to the encampment participants, informing them to disperse or face disciplinary action.

In an email obtained by CNN, the president informed students that she had given authorization to the NYPD to dismantle the encampment. She explained that this decision was made with the safety of Columbia's campus as a top priority.

Shafik explained that he decided to take drastic action due to the unusual situation. He mentioned that the people who set up the encampment had broken many rules and policies.

The NYPD officers used bullhorns to warn the protesters that they would be taken into custody if they did not leave right away. Meanwhile, a large group of Columbia students on the outskirts shouted phrases like "Shame on you" and "The students united will never be defeated."

Shortly after 2 p.m., a group of over 200 protesters gathered near the school campus close to the NYPD staging site. Police officers in helmets and carrying batons began lining up in the street surrounding the group. CNN witnessed the scene and reported that authorities were preparing to disperse the crowd.

Protestors demonstrate at Columbia University, on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Protestors demonstrate at Columbia University, on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Joshua Briz/AP

In the past, the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has chosen not to prosecute or delay prosecution in cases involving a large number of people arrested during civil disobedience.

Video footage circulating online shows NYPD officers in a confrontation with protesters outside the university on Thursday morning. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also shared on social media that buses in the area are experiencing delays due to a protest at the university.

Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, was one of the individuals arrested on Thursday, according to a police official who spoke to CNN. The official mentioned that Hirsi is currently going through the processing procedure and is expected to be given a summons for a criminal trespass charge before being released from custody.

Hirsi, an organizer with Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, shared on Thursday that she, along with two other students from Barnard College, was suspended for taking part in pro-Palestinian protests.

In a statement released on X, Hirsi mentioned that throughout her three years at the college, she has never faced any reprimands or disciplinary warnings.

Hirsi shared that he was informed about his suspension for supporting Palestinians in a difficult situation. Barnard is affiliated with Columbia University but operates as its own separate educational entity.

A Barnard College spokesperson declined to comment on the suspensions, stating that the college does not disclose details of student conduct proceedings. Instead, they directed CNN to a message that was sent to the college community.

The university is facing criticism for hiring a professor who has made controversial remarks.

Shafik and the university have faced criticism for their handling of incidents involving antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Arab harassment on campus.

During a hearing with the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Shafik emphasized that the university is committed to upholding free expression and open debate for all members of the community, as stated in the school's rules of conduct.

"We believe that Columbia's role is to create an environment where different viewpoints can be tested and challenged, rather than shielding individuals from unwelcome positions," Shafik stated. She also recognized that freedom of speech has sometimes been used to justify chants and language that made students feel unsafe.

Last fall, a Columbia student was assaulted while hanging posters in support of Israel on campus. Shortly after, a mobile "doxxing" billboard appeared outside Columbia, displaying the names and faces of students allegedly linked to a statement blaming Israel for a Hamas terror attack.

University leaders recently spoke out against hateful acts targeting the Jewish and Muslim communities, denouncing intimidation and violence.

The university received backlash for hiring a professor who showed support for Hamas on social media after the October 7 attack in Israel. However, the professor in question has since been terminated, according to Shafik's announcement on Wednesday.

Columbia did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when the professor’s termination takes effect.

CNN’s Matt Egan and Ramishah Maruf contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The recent events at Columbia University highlight the ongoing tensions and conflicts surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The pro-Palestinian protest, which began in response to the