NYPD arrests pro-Palestinian protesters after Columbia University library takeover - USA Today

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 12:41 am

Columbia University Library Taken Over: Pro-Palestinian Protests Lead to Arrests

Tensions flared at Columbia University on May 7th as pro-Palestinian protesters took over a portion of the main library, Butler Library, leading to dozens of arrests by the New York Police Department (NYPD). The incident, occurring just before finals week, saw student activists clashing with campus security and university officials. Videos circulating on social media showed confrontations and attempts by protesters to enter the building.

The demonstrators, many wearing masks and keffiyehs, chanted slogans and displayed signs supporting Palestinians and Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student currently held in ICE detention. Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, stated that the university requested NYPD assistance to secure the library, emphasizing that disruptions to academic activities and any form of hate or discrimination would not be tolerated.

Mayor Eric Adams echoed this sentiment, stating that the city would not tolerate hate or violence. NYPD officers, equipped with helmets and face shields, entered the campus and made multiple arrests, escorting individuals in zip ties onto buses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that visa statuses of those involved would be reviewed.

The protest mirrors similar demonstrations that erupted across the country following the October 7th Hamas-led attacks and Israel's subsequent siege of Gaza. The university has previously restricted access to the campus, citing safety concerns, particularly for Jewish students. Protesters deny accusations of antisemitism, arguing they are protesting the rising Palestinian death toll. The incident follows a year of heightened tensions, including previous encampments and a recent ultimatum from the Trump administration regarding policies on protests.

BNN's Perspective: While the right to protest is fundamental, the disruption of academic activities and the potential for escalating tensions on campus is concerning. Universities must balance free speech with the safety and well-being of all students. It's crucial to address the underlying issues driving these protests, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while ensuring that all students feel safe and respected.

Keywords: Columbia University, pro-Palestinian protests, arrests, Butler Library, NYPD, finals week, Mahmoud Khalil, Claire Shipman, Eric Adams, antisemitism, Gaza, Israel, campus protests, student demonstrations, university, New York City, protest, violence, hate, discrimination, encampments, Hamas, ICE, Marco Rubio.

Full Story