Pro-Palestinian activists occupied parts of Columbia University’s main campus library, prompting the university to seek assistance from the New York Police Department. Despite warnings of disciplinary action and potential arrest for trespassing, protesters refused to leave. The university’s acting president, Claire Shipman, cited safety concerns, including a crowd surge and the presence of non-affiliated individuals, as reasons for involving the NYPD.

New York Mayor Eric Adams deemed the protest “unacceptable” and confirmed police assistance. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude for public safety officials’ efforts in maintaining student safety. Images shared by the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) movement depicted protesters in keffiyeh scarves advocating for divestment from entities benefiting from Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The protest, involving masked individuals inside Butler library, led to clashes with public safety officers. Protesters rejected ID checks, sustained injuries, and emphasized solidarity with Palestine. This incident occurs amidst tensions following the university’s response to previous student protests against the Gaza conflict and subsequent federal funding cuts.

The university, grappling with fallout from the Trump administration’s accusations of inadequate protection for Jewish students, recently announced layoffs due to funding reductions. Previous protests and leadership changes have marked Columbia’s recent history, including controversial concessions made in response to federal pressures.