Nearly 300 Arrested in NYC Protests: Columbia and City College Take a Stand

NEW YORK -- Columbia University enlisted the NYPD and dispersed protesters from campus on Tuesday, almost two weeks after demonstrators established a pro-Palestinian encampment on the university's main lawn.

Mayor Eric Adams disclosed that around 300 individuals were apprehended when law enforcement intervened in demonstrations at Columbia and nearby City College of New York. The NYPD's most recent tally indicates 282 total arrests, with 109 at Columbia and 173 at City College. The exact number of students among those arrested remains uncertain.

"There is a trend to radicalize young individuals, and I refuse to delay addressing it until it's too late," remarked Adams on Wednesday, persisting in attributing the escalation to so-called "outside agitators." "This is a widespread issue where young people are being influenced by individuals skilled in radicalizing our youth."

The mayor further stated, "We are pleased to announce their removal from the campus."

Protesters and their supporters gathered at One Police Plaza overnight, eagerly awaiting the release of their fellow demonstrators. Cheers erupted each time someone emerged, creating a celebratory atmosphere filled with food, supplies, and music.

A protester from City College shared that it took hours to complete processing before being charged with trespassing. "They did not listen, they proceeded with the arrests even though I complied with their orders to exit the campus," he recounted to reporters. Displaying marks from tight zip-ties and bruising from being forcefully pulled down from an elevated surface.

Columbia president calls NYPD onto campus

Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik requested police presence on campus following two weeks of discussions with protesters. Numerous individuals were arrested after reportedly occupying Hamilton Hall. 

"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," a statement made by Adams during an interview with CBS Mornings earlier in the day, although he refrained from providing further details regarding these agitators.

Police Swarm Campus to Clear Protesters

Chaos erupted on campus as a swarm of police officers began to assemble outside the school around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. The officers took various approaches to enter the building, with some on foot and others utilizing a large vehicle with an extended ramp to access a second-floor window. Flashbangs were used to disorient the protesters as they cleared the building of encampments and removed stacked furniture from stairwells.

Ultimately, Hamilton Hall was cleared, and two encampments on the lawn were dismantled in an effort to restore order.

"The events on campus last night have left us no choice. With the support of the University's Trustees, I have determined that the building occupation, the encampments, and related disruptions pose a clear and present danger to persons, property, and the substantial functioning of the University and require the use of emergency authority to protect persons and property," the president stated in a letter to the police.

"With the utmost regret, we request the NYPD's help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments. As part of this process, we understand that the NYPD plans to use its LRAD technology to inform participants in the encampments that they must disperse."

University officials expressed their belief that the group responsible for breaking into the building was led by individuals unaffiliated with the school. Administrators highlighted that the decision to involve law enforcement was made after protesters escalated the situation by occupying the hall and threatening a member of the facilities team.