A violent, alleged outside agitator was arrested at a Columbia University protest against Israel, identified as James Carlson, the son of wealthy advertising executives Richard and Sandy Carlson Tarlow. Dick Tarlow passed away in 2022 with an estate worth over $20 million and was well-known in the industry for his work with cosmetic and fashion clients. James Carlson, also known as Cody Carlson or Cody Tarlow, is the heir to this fortune and owns a multi-million dollar property in Park Slope. He has an extensive arrest record dating back to 2005, with charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.
The NYPD raided Hamilton Hall to remove the agitators, with footage showing officers in riot gear using flash-bang devices to clear the encampment. Carlson was charged with criminal mischief, arson, and possession of stolen property in connection with an assault on a man holding an Israeli flag. Three suspects approached the victim, stole the flag, and one of them set it on fire. The victim sustained minor injuries, and Carlson is alleged to have participated in the assault. The other two suspects are currently being sought by law enforcement.
In addition to his recent arrest, Carlson has a history of involvement in violent protests, including one in 2005 during the West Coast Anti-Capitalist Mobilization and March Against the G8 in San Francisco. During this protest, protesters injured a police officer and caused damage to several store windows. Carlson’s attorney has not responded to requests for comment on these latest charges. The investigation into Carlson continues as police suspect him of being a possible leader of the group of agitators that unlawfully occupied Hamilton Hall.
Carlson’s family connections to the advertising industry and his affluent lifestyle have raised questions about his motivations for participating in these violent protests. Despite his privileged background, Carlson has a criminal record dating back more than a decade, indicating a pattern of involvement in illegal activities. The NYPD has released footage of the raid on Hamilton Hall, showing the tactics used by officers to remove the agitators from the building.
The assault on the man holding the Israeli flag during the protest at Columbia University highlights the violent nature of these demonstrations and the potential dangers they pose to both participants and bystanders. The NYPD’s investigation into Carlson and his alleged role as a leader of the group of agitators will shed light on the individuals behind these protests and their motivations. As the investigation continues, more information may come to light about Carlson’s involvement in other violent protests and his connections to similar incidents in the past.
