Police Arrest Pro-Palestinian Protestors At ColumbiaRubio Threatens Visa Revocations
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7:01 am
**Columbia University Protests: Police Arrest Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators, Rubio Threatens Visa Revocations**
Tensions flared at Columbia University on Wednesday evening as police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian protestors. The arrests followed the protestors' occupation of a portion of the university's main library, which they renamed after the late Palestinian writer and activist Bassel al-Araj.
According to reports, approximately 75 individuals were taken into custody by the New York Police Department (NYPD). The university's Acting President, Claire Shipman, condemned the actions, stating that protestors had injured two Columbia Public Safety Officers while attempting to enter the building. Shipman also noted that the protestors had been asked to identify themselves and leave the premises.
The protest, organized by the group Columbia University Apartheid Divest, drew a swift response from authorities. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the NYPD's involvement, stating that they entered the campus at the university's request to remove trespassers.
Adding to the controversy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), threatening to review the visa status of any foreign nationals involved in the protest. Rubio labeled the protestors "Pro-Hamas thugs" and declared them unwelcome in the United States.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the expression of political views on college campuses. The arrests and the threat of visa revocations underscore the heightened sensitivity surrounding these issues.
BNN's Perspective: While the right to protest is a cornerstone of American society, it's crucial that demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful of university property and the safety of others. Secretary Rubio's response, while understandable given the context, could be seen as heavy-handed and potentially chilling to free speech. A measured approach that balances security concerns with the protection of First Amendment rights is essential.
Keywords: Columbia University, Pro-Palestinian protests, arrests, NYPD, Marco Rubio, visa revocations, Butler Library, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Bassel al-Araj, Eric Adams, Claire Shipman, foreign nationals, student protests, Israel-Palestine conflict, free speech.