Over 100 Arrested as Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Protest Camp at Columbia University
Columbia University in New York saw a significant police intervention resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals following the dismantling of a pro-Palestinian protest camp. University President Dr. Nemat Shafik justified this “extraordinary step” as necessary for ensuring a safe environment after repeated warnings.
Among those participating in the demonstration was the suspended daughter of Minnesota politician Ilhan Omar. The protest, part of a wave of demonstrations across US campuses amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, saw the erection of approximately 50 tents on campus, drawing hundreds of students and supporters.
Mayor Eric Adams revealed that over 100 individuals had occupied the lawns for over 30 hours, contravening university regulations. Notable figures such as independent presidential candidate Cornel West joined the demonstrators.
Dr. Shafik expressed regret over resorting to clearing the encampment, highlighting the numerous violations of university rules and policies by its organizers. Despite efforts to resolve the situation through dialogue, all attempts were reportedly rebuffed by the protesting students.
The police operation resulted in the arrest of 108 individuals at the protest site, with two facing trespass summonses and charges of obstruction of government property. This incident marked the first mass arrests on campus since the Vietnam War protests in 1968, according to reports from The Columbia Spectator.