For almost 18 hours, pro-Palestinian protesters have been occupying a building at Columbia University. Pictures and videos of the scene started spreading among students, showing a large number of police officers outside the campus. Reuters reported that there were at least seven jail buses seen near the campus’s southern side.
New York Police officers were also stationed at the campus gates in Manhattan, clearly visible from behind the railings. Additionally, surveillance drones were seen flying overhead, recording what was happening as the evening approached.
Columbia Protests and Police Intervention
Despite ongoing protests, Columbia administrators held a Zoom meeting with student leaders on Tuesday, but it didn’t resolve the situation.
Following this, police arrested several individuals for burglary and trespassing, including around 30 students, alumni, and Columbia employees. They also took down protest camps that had gained a lot of attention.
Before the police intervened, protesters at Hamilton Hall appeared on the balcony wearing Columbia-branded clothing and black masks. Columbia had limited campus access to essential staff only, leading to inventive ways to get in, like graduate student Sueda Polat sneaking in through a basement.
Also Read: US Job Growth Disappoints As Unemployment Surges Amid Higher Rates
Campus Divestment Negotiations at Columbia
Polat, the main person negotiating for the protestors, talked with the university leaders about the need to stop investing in companies that support Israel’s government and military. Even though the university refused to stop investing, Polat kept talking until the police were about to step in.
As things got more intense, someone watching told Reuters that it looked like an “invading army” was on Columbia’s campus, with police breaking up crowds and making sure Hamilton Hall was safe.
Columbia Protesters Arrested and Facing Charges
The report detailed a significant event unfolding at Columbia University, specifically around 9 pm on a Friday evening. At that time, the southern gates of the university were opened, allowing entry for a substantial contingent of law enforcement personnel equipped with helmets and armor. Their purpose was to disband and arrest protesters who had gathered there.
As the police presence surged into the area, they apprehended the protesters, who were subsequently charged with a range of offenses. Among these charges, third-degree burglary stood out as a notable offense, categorized as a class D felony. This charge indicates the severity of the alleged actions undertaken by the individuals involved.
Furthermore, the report indicated that additional charges were levied against some of the protesters. These charges spanned a spectrum of criminal acts, from second-degree assault—also classified as a class D felony—to criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, which falls under the classification of a class A misdemeanor.
These charges collectively underscore the seriousness with which law enforcement and legal authorities viewed the events that transpired.
In parallel to these legal proceedings, Columbia University made a significant announcement regarding the consequences for the individuals involved in the protest. Specifically, the university declared that students who participated in the occupation of Hamilton would face expulsion.
This disciplinary action signaled the university’s stance on the matter and the consequences for those who engaged in disruptive or unlawful behavior on campus premises.
Also Read: Astronaut Sunita Williams on Boeing Starliner’s Historic Launch
Columbia Protests FAQs
Q.1. What triggered the protests at Columbia University?
Ans. Pro-Palestinian sentiments led to protests as demonstrators occupied a building, demanding the university divest from companies supporting Israel’s government and military.
Q.2. How did the university respond to the occupation of Hamilton Hall?
Ans. Columbia University limited campus access and held talks, but when negotiations failed, police intervened, leading to arrests and the dispersal of protest camps.
Q.3. What charges were protesters facing after police intervention?
Ans. Following police intervention, protesters were charged with offenses such as burglary, trespassing, assault, and possession of weapons, reflecting the seriousness of their alleged actions.
Q.4. Was there any negotiation between protesters and university officials?
Ans. Yes, negotiations occurred, mainly led by Sueda Polat, regarding the university’s investments. However, when talks reached an impasse, police intervened.
Q.5. What consequences did Columbia University announce for involved students?
Ans. Columbia University announced the expulsion of students involved in the protests, indicating a strict stance against disruptive or unlawful behavior on campus.
