NEW YORK -- Demonstrators in support of Palestinians left Hunter College around 6 p.m. on Monday and began heading towards the Met Gala.
Earlier in the day, several hundred people gathered at Hunter College around 4:30 p.m. before embarking on their journey north to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the annual fashion event was taking place with numerous celebrities and fans in attendance.
The NYPD had a presence at the scene, and reports indicate that at least two dozen individuals were arrested. Law enforcement had stated earlier that they were ready for any potential protests near the Met Gala.
Throughout the evening, protesters engaged in altercations with both police officers and pro-Israel demonstrators along Madison Avenue and in Central Park, just outside the designated police perimeter.
Amid the protests, a historical memorial for soldiers in Central Park was defaced and an American flag was set on fire, while demonstrators carrying flares attempted to disrupt the Met Gala.
The protest eventually dispersed near Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza approximately a mile away.
Hunter College transitions to fully remote learning
The institution announced the shift earlier on Monday in response to the ongoing demonstrations.
Given the mobile nature of the protests, school administrators expressed uncertainty regarding the number of demonstrators that might gather outside Hunter College and for how long.
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Prior to the transition to fully remote learning at 3 p.m. on Monday, police had set up barricades outside Hunter College's entrance on East 68th Street and Lexington Avenue. As a result of the change, students left the campus in large numbers since late afternoon and evening classes were canceled.
Hunter College emphasized that all security measures being implemented are precautionary. Campus security officials informed CBS New York that it is better to err on the side of caution and be over-prepared.
Confusion among students over shift to fully remote learning
Students shared that they were informed about the transition to online learning via email and text messages. Many expressed surprise upon receiving the announcement.
"I had no idea the protest was happening today," shared sophomore Hannah Miller. "So, this is my last class for the day."
"I have a class at 6 p.m. and they basically canceled it, and I have an exam next week, so it's preparation for the exam," expressed freshman Vilen Kim. "I spend my time, I spend my money doing everything to get here and pay for the tuition, and they just canceled my class for no reason."
