Police cleared 30 to 40 people from inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall late Tuesday after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the administration building in New York earlier in the day. The NYPD officers took action after the school’s president sought help to ensure safety and restore order on campus.
The protesters had expanded their reach from an encampment elsewhere on the Ivy League school’s grounds, prompting law enforcement to intervene. The police presence will continue through May 17, coinciding with the end of the university’s commencement events.
Columbia’s protests, which began earlier this month, have sparked demonstrations across the country, from California to Massachusetts. As the May commencement ceremonies approach, administrators are under pressure to clear the protesters.
The police action at Columbia University on Tuesday night saw hundreds of officers entering the campus to end the occupation of the administration building and dismantle the protest encampment. The scene unfolded with officers wearing helmets and riot gear, climbing through windows and using zip ties to take protesters into custody.
Former President Donald Trump praised the police action, while Columbia President Minouche Shafik expressed regret in seeking NYPD aid. The university described the decision as a last resort after protesters vandalized and blockaded Hamilton Hall.
The nationwide campus protests stem from Israel’s offensive in Gaza, with protesters demanding divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty. The demonstrations have drawn criticism and support, with tensions escalating as police intervene to restore order on campuses.