80 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested at Columbia University

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2:08 pm

**80 Arrested at Columbia University After Pro-Palestinian Protest Turns Disruptive**

Tensions flared at Columbia University on Wednesday as pro-Palestinian protesters stormed a campus library, leading to 80 arrests by the New York Police Department. The incident, which unfolded at Butler Library, saw a large group, some reportedly unaffiliated with the university, forcibly enter the building, declaring it a "liberation zone."

Video footage shows masked individuals pushing past security and hanging banners. Protesters chanted slogans like "Free Palestine" and called for a "global intifada," while also penning graffiti inside the library. The protest appears to be linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, whom the Trump administration is seeking to deport.

Columbia University condemned the actions, stating that disruptions to academic activities and any form of violence, antisemitism, or hate will not be tolerated. The university also noted that two Public Safety Officers were injured during the protest. The incident comes after a period of heightened tensions on campus, including mass protests and an encampment last spring, which ultimately led to the resignation of the university's president. As of early Thursday morning, no charges had been filed against those arrested.

BNN's Perspective:

This situation highlights the delicate balance universities must strike between protecting free speech and ensuring a safe and productive learning environment. While the right to protest is fundamental, the actions of the protesters, particularly the forceful entry and disruption of academic activities, crossed a line. It's crucial that universities uphold their policies and address any instances of hate speech or violence, while also fostering open dialogue and understanding of complex global issues.

Keywords:

Columbia University, pro-Palestinian protest, arrests, Butler Library, liberation zone, Mahmoud Khalil, Free Palestine, global intifada, antisemitism, violence, campus protests, NYPD, Rep. Elise Stefanik, academic activities, Minouche Shafik, Trump administration

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