The law enforcement intervention was anticipated after the university administration declared that negotiations with the protestors had reached a stalemate. The administration had previously issued a request for the protestors, who had been occupying a makeshift encampment, known as the "tent city," for approximately two weeks, to vacate voluntarily or face suspension. The deadline for this request was set for 2 p.m. on Monday.
Despite the university's ultimatum, the protestors remained defiant. The organizers of the pro-Hamas group stated, "We will not be moved unless by force." Their defiance led to a forceful response from the NYPD.
In an unexpected turn of events, the group forcefully took over Hamilton Hall on Monday night, allegedly holding at least one individual against their will, an act that can be classified as kidnapping, abduction, or hostage-taking.
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The NYPD responded to this escalation by breaching the barricaded building in a highly tactical operation around 9 p.m. the following night. The officers used an extension ladder to enter the building through a window. The operation was successful, resulting in the clearance of the building and the arrest of over 100 individuals.
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However, the NYPD's operation was not without controversy. Doug Cohen, a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office, confirmed on Thursday that an incident involving the discharge of a firearm by a law enforcement officer is under review. Cohen stated that an officer discharged his weapon inside Hamilton Hall, although it was not aimed at anyone, and there were no students or protestors in the vicinity, only other law enforcement officers. The Police Accountability Unit is currently reviewing what appears to be an accidental discharge.
Rumors of a gunshot had been circulating on campus, but confirmation only came on Thursday. A video that surfaced on social media allegedly showed an NYPD officer texting the phrase "thought we f****** shot someone."
On Thursday evening, City Hall released a report detailing the arrests made during the campus protests at Columbia and City College of New York. The report revealed that approximately 30 percent of the 112 individuals arrested at Columbia and 60 percent of those arrested at City College were not affiliated with the universities. These individuals, referred to as "agitators" by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, were outsiders who had joined the protests.
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The police response to the protests has been met with criticism online, with some expressing concern over the NYPD entering rooms with firearms drawn. However, others argue that this is standard procedure for a tactical law enforcement unit.
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The pro-Hamas group's actions, which included forcefully occupying a building, holding an individual against their will, and refusing to leave unless confronted with force, were deemed unsafe. It has been revealed that a significant portion of these protestors were not affiliated with the universities and were outside agitators.
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The accidental discharge of a firearm, while not as severe as the Waco siege, is a serious issue that requires investigation and additional training for the officers involved.
The protestors, who illegally occupied the building and invited a law enforcement response, put themselves at risk. Their actions have been criticized as reckless and irresponsible, with some arguing that they are attempting to play the victim after inviting a forceful response.
The situation at Columbia University has sparked a heated debate, with some expecting the protestors to express outrage over the consequences of their illegal actions.
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