Nine people were arrested at a protest near Columbia University on Friday as tensions escalated between pro-Palestinian activists and New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers, according to the New York Post.
The “Do all you can for Palestine” protest movement tidy The pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime called on activists to gather near Columbia University at 3 p.m. The group reportedly said the demonstration was a “mobilization” of university students and that “Palestinian organizers and It was meant to show “solidarity with the protesters who were attacked with skunk spray.” Anti-Israel protesters have reportedly been at the school since January. (Related: Democrats say nervous anti-Israel protesters will spoil Biden's nomination at DNC convention: report)
Shortly after the protests began, video footage was posted on X (formerly Twitter) showing tensions between NYPD officers and protesters. One video showed police in red jackets scurrying around demonstrators as drums could be heard in the background.
“Stand back,” the officers shouted as cameras swarmed the crowd. Protesters could be seen crowding around to try to prevent the arrests as authorities appeared to attempt a second arrest in the crowd.
#breaking news Several protesters were arrested at the “Do All for Palestine” rally at Columbia University in New York City. pic.twitter.com/gDjyB4i4X0
— Olya Scooter Caster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) February 2, 2024
A second video posted online shows NYPD officers pinning protesters to the ground and attempting to arrest them. “Release him,” a fellow pro-Palestinian activist could be heard shouting at officials. (Related: Judge sentences DeSantis another legal victory against pro-Palestinian student group)
New York City police brutally assaulted and arrested pro-Palestinian protesters in front of Columbia University who were peacefully protesting and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/VHmCVrI6cd
— Savior (@stairwayto3dom) February 2, 2024
After the organized protests ended, small groups of activists took to the streets of New York City, and more arrests were reportedly made in the aftermath, according to the New York Post.
“You're thugs. You're criminals! You're the most violent. “You're the most violent,” a protester told authorities as he was loaded into the back of a police van. The newspaper reported that he was angry.
“It's right to rebel. Burn in hell, NYPD! It's right to rebel. Burn in hell, NYPD!” According to the New York Post, another pro-Palestinian activist told the police He reportedly yelled.
Since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, there has been an increase in anti-Palestinian protests by college students in the United States. The latest incident, on January 19, prompted a New York Police Department investigation after a group of pro-Palestinian protesters claimed to have been attacked with “chemical weapons” on Columbia University's campus. according to Go to ABC News. Officials noted that the protesters refused medical treatment following the incident, but the campus-based Students for Justice in Palestine later claimed that several students were hospitalized, the newspaper reported. reported.
After reviewing surveillance footage, New York City police said two unidentified men were responsible for the attack. Authorities have not yet identified them, but the university has since banned them from campus, according to ABC News.
