Police Arrest Dozens at Columbia University as President Requests Clearing of Pro-Palestinian Encampment

New York City police officers in riot gear initiated arrests at Columbia University on Thursday afternoon, following a request from school president Minouche Shafik to disperse protesters from a pro-Palestinian encampment.

In a letter addressed to the NYPD, Shafik cited the encampment and associated disruptions as a “clear and present danger” to the university, expressing regret in requesting assistance to remove the individuals.

According to the Columbia Spectator, over 100 individuals were arrested at the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” starting at 1 pm. The protest was organized by activists advocating for Columbia University to divest from companies operating in Israel, as well as for a cease-fire in Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The clash at Columbia occurred shortly after university leaders, including Shafik, testified at a Congressional hearing in Washington DC about the growing concern of antisemitism. Trustee Claire Shipman acknowledged a “moral crisis” on campus during the hearing.

The Institute for Middle East Understanding stated in an email to NPR that protests at the university would persist, despite threats from the institution.

In a Thursday statement on Columbia University’s website, Shafik described the decision to involve the police in clearing the encampment as “extraordinary,” given the circumstances.

Meanwhile, Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was suspended from Barnard College for participating in the protest. Hirsi vowed continued resilience in a social media post, affirming that the Gaza Solidarity Encampment would not be deterred until their demands were met.”