The NYPD entered Hamilton Hall on the Columbia University campus Tuesday evening. Outside the building occupied by pro-Gaza protesters, officers removed many students who were gathered nearby and made dozens of arrests.
The officers entered through a window. According to sources at New York City Hall, Columbia University has sent a letter to the police requesting intervention on campus to clear out Hamilton Hall. The letter legitimized the intervention of the agents on the campus and the arrest of students. The university’s request is the second since April 18, when President Minouche Shafik requested intervention to clear out a tent city on campus.
“They left us no choice”: this is how Columbia University justified its decision to call the police to clear out Hamilton Hall. “We regret that the protesters chose to escalate the situation through their actions. After learning that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized and blocked off, we had no choice,” it said in a statement. Columbia says the group that occupied Hamilton Hall is led by individuals unaffiliated with the university.
NYPD Enter Columbia University After Protestors take over Hamilton Hall
The president of Columbia University, Minouche Shafik, asked the police to guard the campus until May 17, two days after the graduation ceremony. The request is contained in the letter sent by the university to the police. About 15 thousand students from the university are expected to graduate on May 15.
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