A NYPD sergeant accidentally fired his gun during an operation to remove anti-Israel protesters from Columbia University. The officer was experienced and had been in the department for eight years. He accidentally let the slug fly while switching his gun from one hand to another to unlock an office door. The bullet landed in the office and did not harm anybody. The sergeant quickly assessed the situation and ensured the safety of all individuals involved. The building was cleared, and the incident was reported to the supervisor immediately. The sergeant will undergo counseling and retraining as a result of the accidental discharge.
Over 100 people were arrested during the operation to remove protesters from Columbia University. The chaos was blamed on insurgents who were causing trouble rather than peacefully protesting. Columbia University’s president, Minouche Shafik, has been facing criticism for her handling of the situation. Shafik testified before Congress and refused to label certain statements as antisemitic. More than 100 professors at the university signed a letter defending students who support military action by Hamas. The NYPD’s operation led to a significant number of arrests at both Columbia and City College campuses as part of the effort to clear out the protesters.
The accidental discharge of the officer’s gun was not mentioned during the press conference held by Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials after the operation. The lack of disclosure was attributed to the fact that accidental discharges are not typically reported to the media. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has launched an investigation into the incident as part of their Police Accountability Unit’s standard procedure to review such cases. While the accidental discharge did not result in any injuries, it has raised questions about the safety protocols followed during police operations at the university.
The NYPD’s ESU commanding officer, Chief Carlos Valdez, provided details about the accidental discharge and the circumstances surrounding it. The sergeant had to switch hands to unlock an office door, which led to the unintentional firing of the gun. Despite the incident, the officer was able to ensure the safety of those involved and complete his assignment of clearing the building. The bullet only landed on the office floor and did not strike anyone. The officer will receive counseling and retraining to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University, faced criticism for her handling of the anti-Israel protests on campus. The chaos caused by protesters led to a significant number of arrests as NYPD officers worked to restore order. The statement made by Shafik testifying before Congress and the response from professors at the university highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the events at Columbia. The incident involving the accidental discharge of the officer’s gun has raised concerns about safety protocols during law enforcement operations at educational institutions. The investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office will provide further insights into the incident and potential measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
