Pro Palestine protests by Columbia University students in New York City turn violent
At Columbia University in New York City, a student-led demonstration calling for the university to divest from companies allegedly profiting from “Israeli apartheid, genocide, and occupation in Palestine” escalated unexpectedly into violence. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that protesters threw bottles and used a chair to strike an officer’s helmet. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry commented on the incident, stating, “As you can see, our officers were professional. Looks like they’re getting hurt with bottles, chairs, and so the individual that threw the chair at the officer, we are doing a video compilation, and we’re gonna find you, we’re gonna arrest you for attempted assault. You’re gonna have the full weight of Police Commissioner Caban’s police department coming for you.”
Key Developments:
– Protests at Columbia University in New York City escalate into violence as students throw bottles and furniture at NYPD officers.
– Nearly 120 individuals arrested amidst the chaos at private universities, according to NYPD reports.
– Former US President Donald Trump criticizes Columbia University for opting for remote classes, calling it a “grave mistake.”
In response to the unrest, nearly 120 arrests were made at the scene. The violence at Columbia contrasts sharply with the approach taken at the University of New Mexico, where protests supporting Gaza unfolded peacefully. At the University of New Mexico, students and faculty gathered at the UNM Duck Pond in a tranquil assembly, although a few violated school policy by setting up tents.
Furthermore, former US President Donald Trump voiced his disapproval of Columbia University’s decision to continue remote learning. On Tuesday, Trump said, “What’s going on with the colleges where they’re closing Columbia now? I mean, it’s just crazy. Columbia should gain a little strength, and a little courage and keep their school open. It’s crazy. Because that means the other side wins. The people running Columbia have made a grave mistake.”
This sequence of events marks a significant moment in the ongoing debates surrounding university policies and student activism related to global political issues.