Two officials were injured as Palestinian protesters, who capture Columbia University Library: What do we know so far
Two public safety officials were injured on Wednesday during an chaotic scenes at the University of Columbia, in which Palestinian protesters captured the butler library of the university. The protesters, wearing the most masks and kefheh, had a storm in the main reading room of the building, changing its name to “Basel al-Araj Popular University,” and some banners including some with Palestinian flags.Claire Shipman, acting president of Columbia, said that the students repeatedly refused requests to identify themselves or leave the campus, inspiring the university to call the New York Police Department.The video aired on social media showed NYPD officials in a riot helmet, who were entering the library around 7 pm several hours after the protests started. They were seen removing the protesters, with at least 21 thrown out in Flex Kapha. The protesters had earlier forced their way to protect the campus, some reportedly shouted slogans and hanging the banner, declaring the space as a “free area”. The frescoes, including the phrase “Colombia Will Burn”, were seen scattered on the pictures framed in the reading room.The Clash marks the latest flashpoints in the ongoing dispute between the University of Columbia and the pro-Pilstinian student groups, who have accused them of supporting “imperialist violence” through their investment. The Trump administration has earlier threatened to withdraw more than $ 400 million in federal research funding from the university, citing its perceived failure to protect Jewish students from harassment.The university has since implemented strict opposition policies, including the ban on facial coverings and the need to show IDs to students while protesting in the campus.New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended the police response, saying the city supports peaceful opposition, but would not tolerate “unrighteousness”. He confirmed the support for Jewish students on the campus and said that any non-student guard would be arrested.
Here are the major developments:
- The protesters associated with Columbia University flooded the Butler Library after 3 pm, chanting and indications of pro -Palestinian slogans. CUAD called the protest against Colombia’s relationship for “imperialist violence”.
- NYPD officials entered the building following requests from Columbia officials. The decision was taken amid safety concerns due to increasing crowds and resistance from those inside the library.
- When Shipman described as “increase in crowds”, two universities of the universities were injured when individuals attempted to break into the building.
- The protesters clashed with public safety officials, pushing and shaking from both sides. The protesters trying to get out of the library were blocked by the authorities. At one point, the authorities secured the interior doors using handcuffs to prevent further entry.
- CUAD demanded full division from Israeli state and army tied companies. In an online post, he declared his intention to disrupt the life of the campus until Columbia fulfills their demands.
- The protest took place with allegations of federal hatred crime, being brought against 20 -year -old Tarek Bazrook, accused of attack in New York during the previous Palestinian protest, including Colombia. He is in custody waiting for the bail hearing.
- The university has faced rising pressure from the Trump administration and orthodox MPs that they claim that antisemitism is increasing in the campus. In April, student protesters stopped themselves in Hamilton Hall, resulting in arrest and disciplinary action.
- After the previous unrest, Colombia authorized the new security personnel to arrest and tightened the protest rules in accordance with federal demands.
- Mayor Adams reiterated the commitment to the city’s safety and legitimate opposition, stating on social media that Columbia students should be able to study or study without violence.
