Over 100 protesters, including students and faculty, were arrested by the NYPD at New York University during a demonstration against the ongoing violence in Gaza and demanding divestment from holdings tied to Israel. The protesters had set up a campus encampment, which police in riot gear dismantled and arrested individuals using zip ties and police buses. Faculty members formed a human barrier between the police and students, resulting in their arrest first.
Prior to the arrests, police ordered the protesters to disperse or face arrest for trespassing. The cops also tore down tents that were part of the “Gaza Solidarity” encampment at Gould Plaza. NYU’s director of Campus Safety had warned protesters to leave by 4 pm, threatening consequences for those who did not comply. The breach of metal barriers set up led to the police intervention, with the Campus Safety head highlighting the disorderly and disruptive behavior.
The protest gained support from individuals outside the NYU community, leading to a larger gathering and an escalation of the situation. As the protest grew, NYU requested police assistance due to reported antisemitic incidents and safety concerns. The university spokesperson mentioned intimidating chants and other incidents, prompting the involvement of the NYPD. Many of the protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct as the police responded to the situation.
During the arrests, some of the protesters were praying, and there were reports of police using pepper spray on protesters and a legal observer. Despite efforts to block the transport buses leaving with the arrestees, more individuals were taken into custody, totaling over 100 people. Some protesters who evaded arrest marched to NYPD headquarters, where they were joined by supporters who chanted in solidarity with Gazans affected by the violence.
The protest at NYU was part of a larger trend at elite universities across the country where similar demonstrations were taking place. Columbia University also had a tent city removed by police, only to be replaced shortly after by another encampment. The ongoing protests focused on calling for divestment from holdings tied to Israel and raising awareness about the situation in Gaza. The response from law enforcement varied at different campuses, with some leading to arrests and confrontations with police. The demonstrations reflected a growing concern and activism surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
