Violence broke out between police and student protesters on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning at Columbia University and the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), resulting in the arrest of hundreds of individuals in New York.
The New York Police Department forcefully entered a Columbia building through a second-story window to remove the demonstrators who had taken control of the premises. The video footage capturing the arrests spread rapidly on social media platforms, garnering significant attention.
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Around 300 individuals were arrested in New York, according to a statement from Mayor Eric Adams’s office.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the University expressed that they had no choice but to take action after discovering that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded overnight. They explained that Columbia public safety personnel were forced to leave the building, and a member of their facilities team had been threatened. The safety of their community and the potential for further escalation were not risks they were willing to take.
According to the spokesperson, the University is of the opinion that the individuals who occupied the building were not associated with the institution.
For approximately two weeks, Columbia University has enforced strict measures by closing its campus to individuals without proper identification. Unlike other schools experiencing protests, Columbia has managed to maintain a secure environment, ensuring that only affiliated individuals are granted access.
On the other side of the country, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) made their way onto UCLA’s campus to intervene in the situation involving pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israel counter-demonstrators.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) expressed her strong condemnation for the ongoing violence at UCLA. In a post on X, she called the situation “absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable.” Mayor Bass also mentioned that the LAPD had arrived on campus to address the issue.
Violence erupted during the protest on Tuesday night, when counter-protesters tried to forcibly dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment, according to local station KTLA. KTLA is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.
The exact number of injuries sustained during the incident remains unknown.
Progressives have criticized the police presence and arrests, viewing them as a dangerous response. They argue that other schools have managed to negotiate and find common ground with activists.
“If any child gets injured tonight, the mayor and university presidents will bear the responsibility. Unlike other leaders and schools who have taken a safe and de-escalatory approach, this action by the mayor is a clear lack of leadership and puts public safety at risk. It is like watching a nightmare unfold. I strongly urge the mayor to reconsider his decision.”
Northwestern University and Brown University successfully reached agreements with protesters this week, resulting in the peaceful dismantling of their encampments. As part of the resolution at Brown, the board has committed to holding a vote in the upcoming fall regarding the issue of divestment from Israel.
Republicans are criticizing schools like Columbia for the recent protests, despite their previous demands for campus leadership to address the situation.
“Joe Biden’s absence during the turmoil at Columbia University speaks volumes about his fear of confronting the issue,” stated Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) as he shared a video of the police raid on X.
