On Tuesday night, hundreds of NYPD officers in riot gear rushed the Columbia University campus intending to disperse—and eventually arrested at least 12—anti-Israel protestors from Hamilton Hall, which they had illegally taken over roughly 12 hours earlier on Tuesday morning.
As the officers prepared for the green light on 114th and Broadway, bystanders allegedly chanted shame in their direction, implying the NYPD should be ashamed of acting on anti-Israel protesters.
According to a source, the police arrived before the university announced that students and faculty should shelter in place and that those who did not comply with the order would be subject to disciplinary action.
Columbia's Chapter of the American Association of University Professors quickly released a statement accusing the university administration of not doing enough to "defuse the situation."
"We hold University leadership responsible for the disastrous lapses of judgment that have gotten us to this point. The University President, her senior staff, and the Board of Trustees will bear responsibility for any injuries that may occur during any police action on our campus," the group said.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban did say that the department would intervene as they did weeks ago when the pro-Palestine activists first established their tent city.
"Once the university [asks] for our help, the NYPD will be there ready to assist them," Caban clarified.
According to officials, those arrested in the academic building will be charged with third-degree burglary, criminal mischief, and trespassing, while others apprehended at the site will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Top NYPD personnel said those who illegally entered Hamilton Hall were likely accompanied by "professional agitators."
"We were well aware, based on a series of observations that what should have been a peaceful protest as part of the constitutional rights of Americans, has clearly been co-opted the right which this administration supports and defends to voice your concern," Mayor Adams said.
