Columbia University

Around 100 arrested at Columbia University in NYPD operation to clear campus of protesters

Around 9 p.m. a large mass of NYPD officers entered Hamilton Hall through a window off of Broadway to make arrests of protesters who are inside

NBC Universal, Inc.

The NYPD cleared Hamilton Hall and a tent encampment at the request of Columbia University. News 4 has team coverage.

What to Know

  • Protesters at Columbia University took over a campus building overnight, smashing doors and windows of Hamilton Hall, which is one of several buildings occupied during a 1968 civil rights and anti-Vietnam War protest
  • The university threatened building occupiers with expulsion. Mayor Eric Adams urged students and protesters to leave before the situation escalates
  • Around 9 p.m., after receiving a letter from the school requesting assistance, the NYPD began an operation on campus arresting around 100 protesters and clearing Hamilton Hall

The NYPD has arrested around 100 protesters on the Columbia University campus after receiving a letter from the school asking for assistance. No injuries have been reported so far in the NYPD operation, according to an NYPD spokesperson.

Police have cleared both Hamilton Hall and an encampment on the school's lawn, the NYPD tells NBC New York. About 40 arrests were made in Hamilton Hall, mostly on the first floor of the building. Police used 'flashbangs', or distraction devices, when entering Hamilton Hall but said tear gas was not used on protesters.

A short time before the operation started, campus security officials distributed a shelter-in-place alert as officers in riot gear were seen mustering outside the school's gates and protesters were told to disperse.

Columbia College Dean Sorett and Columbia Engineering Dean Chang sent an urgent update asking students to stay safe, with recommendations to avoid public areas on and around the campus. The area around Hamilton Hall was especially under focus after the events that took place there overnight.

New York police officers arrived at Columbia University shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday night to clear protesters barricaded inside Hamilton Hall.

NYPD officers in large numbers could be seen entering Hamilton Hall as protesters nearby yelled, "shame, shame, shame."

Columbia University released a statement around 9:30 p.m. explaining the decision to reach out to the NYPD for assistance. "A little after 9 p.m. this evening, the NYPD arrived on campus at the University’s request," the statement read. "This decision was made to restore safety and order to our community." The school said after protesters stormed into Hamilton Hall, "we were left with no choice."

The school has asked police to remain on campus through May 17 to ensure additional encampments do not pop up and and to maintain order.

Video footage earlier showed protesters locking arms in front of Hamilton Hall overnight and carrying furniture and metal barricades to the building, one of several that was occupied during a 1968 civil rights and anti-Vietnam War protest on the campus. Posts on an Instagram page for protest organizers shortly after midnight urged people to protect the encampment and join them at Hamilton Hall. A “Free Palestine” banner hung from a window. A protester was seen waving a Palestinian flag from the roof.

New York City's mayor and police commissioner had urged protesters to immediately leave an occupied building at Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus "before the situation escalates," making pleas at a Tuesday evening news conference.

"We urge those and everyone else violating Columbia's order to leave the area and leave the area now," Adams said. "And if you are a parent or guardian of a student, please call your child and urge them to leave the area before the situation escalates in anyway. This is for their own safety and for the safety of others."

The mayor and NYPD officials said a number of "external actors" with no relationship with Columbia have co-opted the protest to try to create chaos. Police said based on the tactics they are seeing, from the use of barricades to destroying cameras, and other intelligence they have gathered that there are outside agitators involved. Adams urged students to "walk away from the situation now."

"We cannot and will not allow what should be a peaceful gathering to turn into a violent spectacle that serves no purpose," Adams said. "We cannot wait until this situation becomes even more serious. This must end now."

We cannot wait until this situation becomes even more serious. This must end now.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams

Tuesday afternoon, the university released a statement saying the protesters chose "to escalate the situation through their actions." (Read the full statement at the bottom of this article)

"Students occupying the building face expulsion," the statement from a university spokesperson said. The university also said students who remain at an encampment on the school's lawn are currently being suspended.

The White House released a statement condemning the escalation, saying in part, "President Biden respects the right to free expression, but protests must be peaceful and lawful. Forcibly taking over buildings is not peaceful – it is wrong."

President Biden respects the right to free expression, but protests must be peaceful and lawful. Forcibly taking over buildings is not peaceful – it is wrong. Forcibly taking over buildings is not peaceful – it is wrong.

White House statement
Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment on Columbia’s Campus show a banner as they barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, they barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements,, and name it after a Palestinian child allegedly killed by the Israeli military on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University as a 2 P.M. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university passed. The students were given a suspension warning if they do not meet the deadline. Columbia students were the first to erect an encampment in support of Palestine, with students demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, where more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Student protesters camp near the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment on Columbia’s Campus barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University as a 2 P.M. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university passed. The students were given a suspension warning if they do not meet the deadline. Columbia students were the first to erect an encampment in support of Palestine, with students demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, where more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: A student protester pulls up a crate filled with foot and supplies from a balcony of Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Benches and trash bins block the entrance to Hamilton Hall where some student protesters camped on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Demonstrators supporting Palestinians in Gaza barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched as a 2 p.m. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university came and went. The students were given a suspension warning if they did not meet the deadline. Students at Columbia were the first from an elite college to erect an encampment, demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, in which more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: A student protester parades a Palestinian flag outside the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: A demonstrator breaks the windows of the front door of the building in order to secure a chain around it to prevent authorities from entering on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in New York City. Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment on Columbia’s Campus barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements,. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University as a 2 P.M. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university passed. The students were given a suspension warning if they do not meet the deadline. Columbia students were the first to erect an encampment in support of Palestine, with students demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, where more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: A Student protestor drops trash in a bin where benches and trash bins block the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Student protesters camp near the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Demonstrators supporting Palestinians in Gaza barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched as a 2 p.m. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university came and went. The students were given a suspension warning if they did not meet the deadline. Students at Columbia were the first from an elite college to erect an encampment, demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, in which more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Demonstrators supporting Palestinians in Gaza barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched as a 2 p.m. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university came and went. The students were given a suspension warning if they did not meet the deadline. Students at Columbia were the first from an elite college to erect an encampment, demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, in which more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: A student protester pulls up a crate filled with foot and supplies from a balcony of Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. All classes at Columbia University have been held virtually today after school President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning in response to recent campus unrest. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: A lone police officer reacts as multiple demonstrators enter into Hamilton Hall where they proceeded to barricade themselves in the academic building which has been occupied in past student movements, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University as a 2 P.M. deadline to clear the encampment given to students by the university passed. The students were given a suspension warning if they do not meet the deadline. Columbia students were the first to erect an encampment in support of Palestine, with students demanding that the school divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, where more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Hamilton Hall is seen as people wait in line to enter Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Columbia University has restricted access to the school’s campus to students residing in residential buildings on campus and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings after protestors took over Hamilton Hall overnight renaming it as “Hind’s Hall” in honor of Hind Rajab. The students have barricaded themselves in the building and have also erected another encampment on Lewisohn Lawn, outside Lewisohn Hall. The protesters have said they are planning to remain at the hall until the university concedes to CU Apartheid Divest’s three demands: divestment, financial transparency and amnesty. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Pro-Palestinian protestors occupy space at an entrance to Hamilton Hall at Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Columbia University has restricted access to the school’s campus to students residing in residential buildings on campus and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings after protestors took over Hamilton Hall overnight renaming it as “Hind’s Hall” in honor of Hind Rajab. The students have barricaded themselves in the building and have also erected another encampment on Lewisohn Lawn, outside Lewisohn Hall. The protesters have said they are planning to remain at the hall until the university concedes to CU Apartheid Divest’s three demands: divestment, financial transparency and amnesty. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: A Columbia student looks at damage to windows of a door at Hamilton Hall at Columbia University on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Columbia University has restricted access to the school’s campus to students residing in residential buildings on campus and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings after protestors took over Hamilton Hall overnight renaming it as “Hind’s Hall” in honor of Hind Rajab. The students have barricaded themselves in the building and have also erected another encampment on Lewisohn Lawn, outside Lewisohn Hall. The protesters have said they are planning to remain at the hall until the university concedes to CU Apartheid Divest’s three demands: divestment, financial transparency and amnesty. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The student radio station, WKCR-FM, broadcast a play-by-play of the hall’s takeover – which occurred nearly 12 hours after Monday’s 2 p.m. deadline for the protesters to leave an encampment of around 120 tents or face suspension.

"I saw a student get physically assaulted and people called the NYPD, people called Public Safety, there is no response, utter silence from their end," student Nico Valencia told NBC New York.

The NYPD said Tuesday it is in contact with Columbia University and has officers posted outside the campus, should the university ask for their help.

"If there's an imminent emergency, someone screaming for help, someone needed assistance, being hurt, we'll go on the property to address that situation," said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. "But as far as the protests, there's the people who's elevating their voice, we will not go onto that property until we get a specific request for Columbia University and as of right now we do not have that request. So this is where we stand right now."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, and other NYPD officials hold a news conference outlining intel they say shows external actors have co-opted the protests at Columbia University.

...as of right now we have not been requested by the institution and we will not go on that institution to address the protestors without their permission.

NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey

But the NYPD said right now, its focus is safety and security on the perimeter of the Ivy League campus.

"This has gone to the next level and we have real cause for concern," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner said. "And I want to point out that this is an escalation that, while it began last night at Columbia, we do expect it to continue beyond one building on one campus, but to other protests, to other universities, potentially to other cities."

Police say they were involved in two Columbia-related incidents a day ago -- one, an unfounded bomb threat at 116th Street and Broadway and the university. In the other, a 57-year-old woman from Brooklyn was charged at a scheduled demonstration with resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, obstruction and disorderly conduct.

As for Hamilton Hall, property damage, or possibly trespassing, might be the only issues at play at this point. The NYPD would need a complaint from Columbia to take action on the school's private property.

The NYPD said protesters occupying Hamilton Hall will be charged with third-degree burglary, criminal mischief and trespassing. Protesters participating in the encampment on the lawn will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct, according to NYPD officials.

A university spokesman confirmed the Hamilton Hall takeover and that the campus community had been notified. Ben Chang also said campus access had been restricted until further notice.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the situation at Columbia needs to be de-escalated with a sense of normalcy returned to campus.

"...when actions cross over into vandalism, harassment, destruction of property, or even violence, then the line has been crossed," Hochul said. "A few of the individuals participating in last night's actions, they forced staff from their jobs, students from the security of using buildings - they broke windows, barricaded exits - and these individuals are clearly breaking the law. There must be accountability, whether that's disciplinary action from the school or from law enforcement."

According to a statement from the Public Safety Department, access to the Morningside campus is limited to students living in the residential buildings and employees who provide essential services, like dining, public safety and maintenance staff. There's just one access point into and out of campus -- the 116th Street and Amsterdam gate.

All other campus entry points are closed.

Chopper 4 gets an overhead look at Hamilton Hall, which was overtaken by protests early Tuesday.

"This access restriction will remain in place until circumstances allow otherwise," the statement said. "The safety of every single member of this community is paramount. We thank you for your patience, cooperation and understanding."

The overnight developments come a day after talks between university officials and student representatives remained at a standstill, according to a letter Columbia University President Minouche Shafik sent the school community.

The goal, for the university, is to have the tents dismantled and protesters adhere to university policies; peaceful demonstration can continue. Students, however, have refused to leave the encampment, demanding Columbia divest from Israel. Shafik says that's not on the table.

She offered a number of steps including more transparency and review for future investing proposals. The university also said it would invest in health and education in Gaza.

Meanwhile, it is now doling out suspensions to those who defied Monday's deadline. Students under suspension will not be able to access the school's facilities and their ID will be deactivated, a notice said. They won't be able to complete the semester; Monday marked the final day of classes for the spring term and finals are this week. The school said further sanctions for students who don't leave could include suspension for a term or more, and expulsion.

Commencement is scheduled to take place at Columbia on Wednesday, May 15. Some other colleges have adjusted their graduation programs amid growing protests, including at USC, where the school canceled its main commencement. Columbia has not announced any changes at this point. Some of the commencement ceremonies at the Ivy League school are planned for the lawn where the encampment is currently located.

"We owe it to all of our graduates and their loved ones to honor their achievement," Shafik said. "We want to reassure our community who are trying to make plans that we will indeed hold a Commencement."

Seniors remain wondering what their commencement will look like.

"It’s pretty confusing — I’d like to know if I can participate in commencement," Rishabh Ganesh, a senior at Columbia told NBC New York. "I’m a graduating senior. Things are up in the air. It’s hard to focus.“

No serious injuries have been reported amid the protests.

Mayor Eric Adams has blamed unspecified "outsiders" for much of the volatility. He said Monday his administration has been in touch with presidents of local colleges, not just Columbia, but also NYU and FIT, to ensure student safety.

Columbia University statement to the media on Tuesday, April 30

"We regret that protesters have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions. Our top priority is restoring safety and order on our campus. 

We made it very clear yesterday that the work of the University cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules. Continuing to do so will be met with clear consequences. Protesters have chosen to escalate to an untenable situation – vandalizing property, breaking doors and windows, and blockading entrances – and we are following through with the consequences we outlined yesterday.

Students occupying the building face expulsion.

Protesters were informed that their participation in the encampment violated numerous university policies. We gave everyone at the encampment the opportunity to leave peacefully. By committing to abide by University policies, they would be allowed to complete the semester. 

Students who did not commit to the terms we offered are now being suspended. Those students will be restricted from all academic and recreational spaces and may only access their individual residence. Seniors will be ineligible to graduate.

This is about responding to the actions of the protesters, not their cause.

As we said yesterday, disruptions on campus have created a threatening environment for many of our Jewish students and faculty and a noisy distraction that interferes with teaching, learning, and preparing for final exams, and contributes to a hostile environment in violation of Title VI. The safety of our community remains our top priority. 

--Ben Chang, Columbia University spokesperson"

Exit mobile version