40 Columbia University students taking part in a pro-Palestine demonstration in a library have been arrested by New York police, it has been reported.
A demonstration at Columbia University in New York resulted in the arrest of at least 40 pro-Palestinian student protestors. The incident, shared by Al Jazeera and subsequently on Reddit, occurred after student protestors demonstrated inside a library at Columbia University, where activists continued to show their support for Palestine in the ongoing war between the country and Israel.
Videos posted on social media showed chanting protestors entering the library, many wearing keffiyeh headscarves and masks to show their solidarity with Palestine. This comes following President Trump’s demands for bans on face masks at protests and a change in oversight of some academic programs in March. Failure to do so would result in the withholding of millions in federal funding to the university.
According to footage from the scene, the demonstrators had forced their way past a security guard at the library’s front entrance and disrupted students who were revising for their final exams. The protestors then proceeded to set up large signs of protest over bookshelves, started chants of ‘Free, free Palestine’, and refused to leave the library.
The university was forced to call in the New York Police to help put an end to the protest and disruptions. According to various sources, at least 40 pro-Palestine protestors were arrested, with some outlets claiming the number is closer to 80. Videos circling on social media show protestors being escorted out of the library in zip ties and onto police buses.
In response to the videos circling social media, one Reddit commenter shared their support for the students, saying the police’s action was an “absolutely disgusting abuse of power.” Another shared their disappointment around the police’s intervention, stating, “it’s free speech until you say free free Palestine.”
Other users on Reddit suggested this is a sign of the dismantling of the US Constitution, commenting, “No more first amendment, no more 5th amendment, 4th amendment also gone.” Others simply said, “Fascism,” and “Home of the free. Lol”
Some took a more understanding view of the arrests. “If you illegally occupy a private building, you should be arrested. If you disagree, I’ll come protest your disagreeing in your home and see how long it takes before you call the police.”
With Israel’s blockade entering its third month, protests on the conflict are likely to continue, especially with the US government refusing to condemn the actions.
