Dozens of pro-Palestinian activists arrested in latest Columbia demonstration

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University late Wednesday after activists forced their way into a school library, injuring two public safety officers in the process. 

Claire Shipman, the university’s acting president, released a statement saying the school requested New York Police Department (NYPD) officers to come on campus after groups of protesters forced their way into Butler Library and were also standing outside the building.  

The individuals refused to identify themselves or leave, given multiple warnings they would be charged with trespassing.  

“Requesting the presence of the NYPD is not the outcome we wanted, but it was absolutely necessary to secure the safety of our community,” Shipman said. 

“Disruptions to our academic activities will not be tolerated and are violations of our rules and policies; this is especially unacceptable while our students study and prepare for final exams. Columbia strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, some of which we witnessed today,” she added. 

Police said at least 80 people were arrested, The Associated Press reported. Videos seen on social media show the protesters hanging up Palestinian flags and drawing “Columbia will burn” into framed pictures. 

The Hill has reached out to the NYPD for comment. 

The protests were condemned by New York Mayor Eric Adams (D), Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and the Trump administration.

“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable,” Hochul posted on X.  

The Trump administration that has been cracking down on pro-Palestinian demonstrators from last year’s spring encampments, taking away student visas and attempting to deport some individuals, as well as going after the schools involved, including Columbia.

“We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library. Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X. 

The Trump administration has already frozen hundreds of millions of dollars of Columbia’s federal funding, accusing the school of failing to protect its students from antisemitism.

This is the biggest demonstration Columbia has seen since last year’s encampments.