The New York City Police Department recently released a video showing a professional “protest consultant” who was involved in instructing a group of anti-Israel agitators as they took over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed concerns about outside agitators during a press conference, stating that these individuals had co-opted what should have been a peaceful protest, creating public safety issues. According to Adams, the external actors are not students and are violating Columbia’s policy by being on campus. These outside agitators, with a history of escalating situations, are seeking to create chaos and discord rather than promoting peace and unity.
The NYPD has identified some of the outside agitators, noting that they have seen an escalation in tactics believed to be guided by these individuals. Examples of these tactics include the use of barricades made out of furniture, destruction of cameras, de-arresting tactics, property destruction, and the use of signs to fortify and create shields. While these tactics were visible during the events at Columbia University, authorities expect similar behavior to continue at universities in New York City and across the country. The video shown during the press event depicted 63-year-old protest consultant Lisa Fithian watching protesters chanting anti-Israel slogans, with Fithian expressing support for documenting their behavior.
Lisa Fithian, with a history of participation in various protests including climate change and Occupy Wall Street, was seen instructing anti-Israel agitators as they took over an academic building at Columbia University. Videos captured Fithian overseeing protesters’ actions, from carrying tables to barricading doors. During a segment on “The Ingraham Angle,” Ira Stoll discussed Fithian and the financial incentives behind training new activists. Stoll highlighted that some individuals involved in these protests are paid fellows, receiving funding from organizations like the Soros Open Society Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He noted that many of the anti-Israel protestors are also involved in movements such as Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump demonstrations, viewing protesting as an ongoing activity for them.
Stoll compared the participation in these protests to a recreational activity, emphasizing that individuals engaging in activism are unlikely to stop until their goals are achieved or if they are sent to jail. The financial support behind these protests suggests that there is significant funding driving these movements. The continued presence of these activists at various protests, including those targeting Israel and other social justice issues, indicates a pattern of ongoing protests. Stoll’s observations highlight the network of individuals and organizations involved in supporting and participating in these demonstrations, shaping the narrative and tactics used to achieve their goals.
Mayor Adams warned individuals involved in these protests, especially those influenced by outside agitators, to disengage from disruptive behavior and prioritize peace and unity. The police noted that the tactics displayed at Columbia University are likely to persist at other universities in New York City and beyond. The influence of professional protest consultants like Lisa Fithian underscores the organization and guidance behind these movements, raising concerns about the escalation of tactics and potential for public safety threats. By shedding light on the motivations and financial support behind these protests, authorities aim to address the root causes of the unrest and prevent further disruptions in the community.
