New York police entered the university campusReproduction / Internet
Published 01/05/2024 13:04 | Updated 05/01/2024 13:05
“It became clear that we had to take appropriate action when our intelligence division identified those who were professional, well-trained,” Adams told CBS Mornings on Wednesday.
“We realized after entering Hamilton Hall that some of the tactics, some of the methods, are clearly being used around the world, and we understand how truly dangerous the situation has become,” he added, referring to the building that had been stormed.
Also according to Adams, police are processing the arrests to distinguish between those who were actually students and the agitators.
Before the arrests, the mayor and the New York Police Department made similar claims that the protest had been co-opted by outside agitators.
Protesters acknowledge the participation of people outside the university community, but vehemently dispute the idea that outside actors were leading the protests.
The pro-Palestinian camp was disbanded by the New York Police Department at the University’s request after protesters defied an ultimatum to leave voluntarily and stormed Hamilton Hall, escalating tensions. Police reinforcement must remain on campus until May 17th.
Police had entered Columbia University on April 18. At the time, around 100 people were detained, but protests resumed the following day and have since spread to universities across the country.
Protesters demand a stance from Columbia University against the war in the Gaza Strip. Jewish students, on the other hand, pointed out anti-Semitism in criticism of Israel and said they did not feel safe.
Speaking about the NYPD’s action, Mayor Eric Adams said the protests made the campus a place where anti-Semitism and anti-Israel attitudes were widespread.
