Pro-Palestinian student protesters lock arms at the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University, on April 30, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by EMILY BYRSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
A large number of police officers descended on Hamilton Hall at Columbia University Tuesday night, evicting protesters who had occupied the building and taking many into custody.
Tensions have flared at Columbia's Manhattan campus for the past two weeks, since students set up a pro-Palestinian encampment and began calls for the university to divest its support for Israel.
The situation intensified this week when protesters ignored a Monday deadline to disband and took control of Hamilton Hall early Tuesday. In a statement Tuesday night, Columbia University said:
"A little after 9 p.m. this evening, the NYPD arrived on campus at the University’s request. This decision was made to restore safety and order to our community.
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We regret that protesters have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions. After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice. Columbia public safety personnel were forced out of the building, and a member of our facilities team was threatened. We will not risk the safety of our community or the potential for further escalation."
Below are scenes from the police response:
Police detain a protester as officers enter the campus of Columbia University in New York City on April 30. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
NYPD officers in riot gear walk onto the campus at Columbia University, where pro-Palestinian protesters had set up an encampment and barricaded themselves inside a building. (Kena Betankur/AFP via Getty Images)
Protesters move barricades as police maintain a cordon around Columbia University. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
A person talks with police outside of Columbia University. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
Police officers stand guard at Columbia University. (Caitlin Ochs/Reuters)
Police maintain a cordon around Columbia University. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
NYPD officers in riot gear arrived at Columbia University. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)
Police officers stand near an encampment of protesters. (Caitlin Ochs/Reuters)
Police personnel use a ramp to enter Hamilton Hall, which was occupied by protesters. (Caitlin Ochs/Reuters)
NYPD officers stand on the other side of a door from barricaded protesters. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
NYPD officers take protesters into custody at Columbia University. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
NYPD officers take protesters into custody. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
Police at Columbia University. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
NYPD officers in riot gear enter Hamilton Hall at Columbia University. (Kena Betankur/AFP via Getty Images)
NYPD officers stand outside the doors of Hamilton Hall as protesters are seen inside. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
NYPD officers prepare to enter Hamilton Hall. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)
NYPD officers enter Hamilton Hall through a window. (Keta Betankur/AFP via Getty Images)
Pro-Palestinian supporters confront police during demonstrations at City College in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
A protester watches police standing guard near an encampment at Columbia University. (Caitlin Ochs/Reuters)
Protesters link arms as police officers enter the Columbia campus. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
Protesters at City College. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Police walk near Columbia University. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
Demonstrators confront police at City College. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Police detain a protester at Columbia. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
Pro-Palestinian supporters climb a fence during demonstrations at City College. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
An NYPD official stands guard after establishing a perimeter at Columbia University. (Caitlin Ochs/Reuters)
