Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD brass have blamed outside agitators for the illegal takeover of a building at Columbia University during a protest. The mayor stressed that these agitators are not interested in promoting peace, unity, or a peaceful display of dissent but are instead causing discord and divisiveness. Officials are urging the protesters, who are also anti-Israel student encampment demonstrators, to disband and avoid the situation escalating any further.
The NYPD’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism unit recognized the antagonistic mob when it stormed into Hamilton Hall, using barricades and furniture to seal themselves inside. A hammer-wielding demonstrator was captured in a video breaking a glass door and engaging in a scuffle with a security guard. The group’s violent actions, including breaking cameras, hurling objects out the window, and scaling walls, have raised safety concerns for students, faculty, and staff.
Lisa Fithian, a veteran protester known for activism since the 1970s, was identified as one of the agitators. The NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism highlighted the dangerous and criminal activity associated with the protests, driven by external actors unaffiliated with the university. The concern is that these agitators are influencing peaceful student protesters with their disruptive tactics during the demonstrations.
The police anticipate the violence that began at Columbia University will spread to other protests, universities, and cities. There are fears that the external actors will continue to guide students towards escalation if the situation is not de-escalated. If requested by the university, the NYPD is prepared to step in and clear out the agitators from the occupied building. Charges for third-degree burglary, criminal mischief, and trespassing would be brought against the occupiers in Hamilton Hall.
Despite Columbia University’s warnings to vacate the campus lawn by a specific time, the remaining protesters will face trespassing and disorderly conduct charges. Mayor Adams issued a plea for parents and guardians of students to urge their children to distance themselves from the violent group for their safety. The police commissioner advised parents to stay informed of their children’s activities, coordinate with the university, and take the situation seriously amidst the potential for further escalation.
In conclusion, the situation at Columbia University involving the illegal takeover of a building by anti-Israel student protesters and outside agitators has put a spotlight on safety concerns and escalating tensions. Officials are warning of the influence of external actors in guiding peaceful protests towards violence and criminal behavior. The police are prepared to intervene if necessary, and charges await those involved in the takeover. The call for students to disengage from the violent group and for parents to stay vigilant underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need to prevent further escalation of conflict.
