NYPD brass and Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern over the illegal takeover of an academic building at Columbia University, blaming outside agitators for the escalation of the protest. The Mayor emphasized the need to end the violent spectacle before it becomes more serious. The NYPD’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism unit noted a change in tactics that endangered public safety, as peaceful protests were being exploited by professional outside agitators. Concerns were raised for the safety of students, faculty, and staff as the situation escalated.
The group, referring to themselves as Hind’s Hall in honor of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed in the conflict, violently broke into the building, using barricades and other objects to seal themselves inside. Videos showed demonstrators wielding hammers and engaging in physical altercations with security guards. Professional protester Lisa Fithian was identified among the rioters, with the NYPD highlighting the involvement of external actors in inciting violence and destruction. Rioters did not have affiliation with Columbia University, leading the school to report them to the NYPD.
The NYPD feared that agitators were instructing peaceful student protesters to follow their lead, leading to an escalation of violence that began at Columbia. They anticipated this violence to spread to other protests at universities and cities. The NYPD maintained constant communication with Columbia University officials and partners, assuring that they were fully prepared to respond to the situation. The university would request help from the NYPD to clear out the agitators, with charges of third-degree burglary, criminal mischief, and trespassing for those occupying Hamilton Hall.
Despite warnings from Columbia University to vacate the campus lawn by a certain time, protesters who remained would face trespassing and disorderly conduct charges. Mayor Adams urged students to distance themselves from the violent group to ensure their own safety. He also called on parents to reach out to their children to advise them to leave the area before the situation escalated further. The NYPD also advised parents to be aware of their children’s activities and take the situation seriously, emphasizing the need to ensure their safety and compliance with the university’s policy.
The Mayor reiterated that the presence of external actors on campus was a violation of Columbia University’s policies, and urged non-students to leave the area. The NYPD assured that they would intervene if necessary and work with the university to maintain peace and order on the campus. The involvement of professional agitators in inciting violence was condemned, with concerns raised for the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. Police officials emphasized the need for cooperation from students, parents, and the university to prevent further escalation of the protests and ensure a peaceful resolution to the situation.
