New York police arrested more than 70 pro-Palestinian protesters on Wednesday after they occupied a room inside Columbia University’s main library, sparking condemnation from the university and renewed scrutiny from the Trump administration.
The demonstrators forced their way into Butler Library in an organized protest, chanting slogans and displaying Palestinian solidarity symbols. Some wore keffiyeh scarves and masks, defying a face-covering ban Columbia implemented earlier this year under pressure from federal authorities.
University President Claire Shipman confirmed in a statement that two campus security officers were injured during the incident, describing the protesters’ actions as “outrageous and unacceptable.” She added that many of those involved were not enrolled students, and urged students to avoid the library, particularly as final exams approach.
“This kind of disruption has no place on our campus, especially during a critical academic period,” Shipman said.
Footage posted online showed some protesters writing “Free Palestine” on bookshelves inside the library. Other videos captured a tense standoff, as university public safety officers blocked exits and demanded IDs from those inside. Protesters refused to comply, leading to hours of deadlock before the NYPD intervened.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the NYPD said it was responding at the “direct request of Columbia University” to what it described as an “ongoing trespassing situation.”
This marks the first time since April 2024 that Columbia has requested NYPD assistance for an on-campus protest. The university has been at the center of nationwide student-led protests against the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel.
President Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Columbia for what he claims is tolerance of antisemitism, has threatened to withhold over $400 million in federal funding. Earlier this year, his administration forced Columbia to ban face coverings at protests and change oversight of certain academic programs as a condition for continued funding.
Trump’s stance escalated this week after he terminated $2.2 billion in federal funds to Harvard University over similar campus protest concerns. His administration has now warned more than 60 U.S. universities that federal support may be revoked if they fail to address reports of antisemitism.
Meanwhile, student protesters accused Columbia of “violent repression” and said they refused to comply with ID checks as an act of civil disobedience.
A legal challenge from some Columbia faculty members over federal funding cuts remains ongoing.
Follow us on:
