New York, May 8 – New York police officers forcibly removed dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University’s Butler Library on Wednesday evening, after demonstrators clashed with campus security and refused to leave the premises.
The protest, organized by the student group Columbia University Apartheid Divest, saw masked demonstrators occupy part of the library, accusing the university of profiting from “imperialist violence.” Protesters hung Palestinian flags, unfurled banners inside the ornate reading room, and scrawled messages including “Columbia will burn” on framed pictures.
Videos circulated on social media showed NYPD officers in riot gear entering the library hours after protesters pushed past university security. More than 30 people were seen being led out of the building with their hands tied behind their backs. Outside, supporters chanted “Free Palestine” from behind police barriers.
University acting president Claire Shipman said the group had been repeatedly asked to present identification and vacate the premises, but refused. Two campus security officers were reportedly injured during the confrontation. “These actions are outrageous,” Shipman said, adding the disruption occurred as students were studying for final exams.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said those occupying the library were trespassing, while Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the protest, stating, “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that officials were reviewing the visa status of those involved. “Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation,” he posted.
The protest comes amid heightened scrutiny of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. campuses. The Trump administration has cracked down on international students involved in such protests, including Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia scholar detained in March.
Separately on Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department announced federal hate-crime charges against Tarek Bazrouk, 20, for alleged assaults at multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including near Columbia. A federal judge is expected to hear Bazrouk’s bail request on Thursday.
In March, Columbia introduced sweeping new protest regulations under federal pressure, banning masks, requiring protesters to show ID upon request, and expanding the authority of campus public safety officers.
The student group behind Wednesday’s action vowed continued resistance. “Repression breeds resistance,” they said in a statement. “If Columbia escalates repression, the people will continue to escalate disruptions on this campus.”
