Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Police Department condemned the actions of “outside agitators” who were causing trouble at anti-Israel protests at Columbia and New York University. Adams praised the NYPD’s response to the situation, noting that the officers displayed a high level of discipline. The NYPD confirmed that 120 individuals were taken into custody, with four individuals being issued desk appearance tickets. Adams compared the current situation to previous protests where anarchists came into the city to cause chaos and disruption.
NYPD Commissioner Kaz Daughtry stated that the department had identified “known professional agitators” at the protests who were attempting to provoke officers into reacting violently. The NYPD confirmed that they needed to be invited onto private property such as the campuses of Columbia and NYU before taking action against protesters. The House Republicans in the New York delegation called for Columbia President Minouche Shafik’s resignation following protests that led to concerns about the safety of Jewish students on campus. Columbia’s leadership initially tried to handle the situation without involving the police, but ultimately called in the NYPD to arrest more than 100 people.
The protests at Columbia and NYU escalated over several days, with tensions running high. The NYPD confirmed that they had noticed a well-coordinated effort behind the protests, as all the protesters had similar tents. Mayor Adams expressed concern about the violence at the protests, citing an incident where an officer was hit in the head with a chair. He defended the decision to have officers in riot gear, stating that they needed to protect themselves from those who were trying to cause violence in the city.
In response to the protests, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand condemned the anti-Israel sentiments being displayed at New York City’s campuses. She expressed her disgust at the antisemitic language being used at Columbia University, emphasizing that threats of violence against Jewish students were unacceptable. Columbia President Minouche Shafik also spoke out against the antisemitism, stating that such language was unacceptable and that appropriate action would be taken. The protests have sparked a debate about free speech and the safety of students on college campuses.
The NYPD confirmed that some of the protesters had been issued citations for resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Mayor Adams reiterated his support for the officers and expressed his gratitude for their restraint during the protests. He also called for a thorough investigation into the individuals responsible for inciting violence at the demonstrations. The NYPD and city officials are working to address the concerns raised by the protests and ensure the safety and security of all residents in New York City. The situation at Columbia and NYU continues to evolve, with calls for accountability and action to address the underlying issues that have sparked the protests.
