More than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University on Thursday afternoon, and an on-campus tent encampment was dismantled after the university's president authorized the New York Police Department to intervene, officials reported.
The demonstrators had been occupying Columbia's south lawn for over 30 hours, against the university's regulations, and despite multiple warnings to disperse, stated New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Columbia President Nemat "Minouche" Shafik, in a letter to the university community on Thursday, expressed regret over the necessity of involving law enforcement, stating, "This morning, I had to make a decision that I hoped would never be necessary."
"I regret that all attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were rejected by the students involved. Consequently, NYPD officers are now on campus, and the process of clearing the encampment is underway," Shafik remarked.
She emphasized, "The safety of our community has always been my top priority, ensuring an environment conducive to learning."
Additionally, Columbia authorized the NYPD to take action through a released letter.
Around 1:30 p.m. ET, police moved in, apprehending numerous pro-Palestinian protesters, utilizing zip ties to restrain them and escorting them to buses. Other protesters voiced their dissent with chants of "Shame!" and "Let them go."
A total of 108 individuals were arrested for trespassing without incident, with two also facing charges of obstruction of governmental administration, according to officials.
"Students have the right to free speech but must adhere to university policies and refrain from disrupting campus activities," asserted Mayor Adams during a press briefing Thursday evening.
Among those arrested for trespassing was Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, who is set to receive a summons, officials confirmed.
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