The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the pro-Palestinian protests that recently occurred at two universities in Manhattan. Dozens of demonstrators were arrested at New York University (NYU) after setting up a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. The protest began with around 50 individuals at the Stern School of Business and grew to hundreds before arrests were made. It is believed that many of the individuals who joined the rally were not affiliated with NYU. A similar protest at Columbia University also led to over 100 arrests after demonstrators refused to leave their encampment, which violated university rules and policies.
The protesters are demanding a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza and are calling for their schools to divest from companies and educational programs that do business with Israel. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry suggested that law enforcement is investigating signs that the same individuals may be instigating the protests at both universities. Daughtry mentioned that the tents and protestors were similar in both incidents, leading him to believe that someone may be funding the protests. He also mentioned the presence of professional agitators who try to incite confrontation between protesters and police by throwing weapons or rocks.
NYPD officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard, have stated that there were instances of aggression during the protests at NYU and Columbia. While organizers of the protests claim that the demonstrations have been peaceful, reports of antisemitic sentiment and aggressive behavior have surfaced. Both Daughty and Sheppard emphasized that a small number of individuals can disrupt the protests and potentially harm officers or peaceful demonstrators. They stressed the importance of cooperation with law enforcement to prevent escalations during protests.
Student groups at Columbia have expressed frustration with media attention on inflammatory individuals who do not represent their cause, condemning any hate or bigotry. They have also criticized university officials for using police force to break up the encampment. The NYPD is investigating the involvement of professional agitators in the protests and is working to identify those behind the demonstrations. Officials are concerned about the safety of officers and peaceful protesters, urging cooperation and adherence to police instructions to prevent confrontations.
The protests at NYU and Columbia have raised questions about funding and organization behind the demonstrations, as well as concerns about potential violence and disruptions. While supporters of the protests advocate for divestment and peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, law enforcement is focused on ensuring public safety and preventing confrontations. The NYPD’s investigation into the protests aims to identify instigators and prevent further incidents of aggression or antisemitism during demonstrations. Cooperation between protesters, law enforcement, and university officials is crucial to maintaining peaceful and lawful protests on campus.
