Pro-Palestinian protesters take over room in library at Columbia; dozens in custody
The protest broke out in the main reading room of the Butler Library
MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) -- Dozens of demonstrators were taken into police custody after a pro-Palestinian protest broke out at a library on Columbia University's campus on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the university said they were dealing with a disruption in Reading Room 301 of Butler Library after demonstrators entered around 3:15 p.m.
The university said the students refused to identify themselves or leave the building and eventually the university called in the help of the New York Police Department.
"Due to the number of individuals participating in the disruption inside and outside of the building, a large group of people attempting to force their way into Butler Library creating a safety hazard, and what we believe to be the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the University, Columbia has taken the necessary step of requesting the presence of NYPD to assist in securing the building and the safety of our community," Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman said.
In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams said that the NYPD entered the campus, at the "written request" of the university, to remove individuals who were trespassing.
"As I've said repeatedly, New York City will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness," Adams said in the statement. "To our Jewish New Yorkers, especially the students at Columbia who feel threatened or unsafe attending class because of these events: know that your mayor stands with you and will always work to keep you safe."
He said anyone protesting on campus who is not a student would be arrested.
Dozens of protesters were seen being led out in flex cuffs, and Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry told Eyewitness News that there were about 60 to 70 total in custody.
NYPD officers had originally responded to the area on Wednesday evening, but stayed off campus while the university's Public Safety Team attempted to peaceably move about 100 protesters.
However, Shipman said that during the disruption, two of Columbia Public Safety officers suffered injuries during a crowd surge when individuals attempted to force their way into the building and into Room 301. She called the actions "outrageous."
NewsCopter 7 was over the library, where a gathering of protesters were seen outside the front door.
The protest appeared to be peaceful from the outside, with no confrontations.
Meanwhile, video from inside the library showed demonstrators sitting peacefully, taking photos and holding signs, though the exact demands of the group were not immediately clear.
The university has been asking individuals for identification, which will be recorded, and have asked them to disperse.
They say that failure to comply will result in "violations" and "possible arrest."
Individuals who were not involved in the protest have been allowed to leave, the university said.
"While this is isolated to one room in the library, it is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for final exams," a Columbia spokesperson said. "These disruptions of our campus and academic activities will not be tolerated. Individuals found to be in violation of University Rules and policies will face disciplinary consequences."
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has been briefed on the situation and says she's grateful to public safety officials for keeping students safe.
"Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable," she said.
The campus was roiled by protests last spring over the Israel-Hamas war. In late April 2024, pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, leading to several arrests. The students involved were later expelled, suspended or had their degrees temporarily revoked.
In March, the university ceded to demands from President Donald Trump's administration for a host of changes at the school after a threat to withhold $400 million in federal funds.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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