May 2nd 2024.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is standing behind the New York Police Department for their recent actions during the pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and City College of New York. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned chaotic as some protestors charged through Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside. In response, the police, dressed in riot gear, took over the campus around 9 p.m. on April 30 and began arresting protestors, room by room.
During a press conference on May 1, Adams, a former NYPD officer himself, commended the department for their precision in handling the situation. "These protestors are attempting to disrupt our city, and we will not allow it to happen," he stated. "I am proud to say that they have been successfully removed from the campus, thanks to the organized and calm operation of the NYPD. Thankfully, there were no injuries or violent clashes."
After clearing Hamilton Hall, the officers continued to search the encampment sites that had been set up for the past two weeks. In total, close to 300 protestors were arrested at Columbia and City College. Contrary to popular belief, not all of these detainees were students. Officials revealed that many of them were outsiders who had orchestrated the protest and trained the students involved. This information played a crucial role in how the police facilitated the arrests.
"We noticed a shift in the tactics being used, and with the help of intelligence provided by our sources, we knew it was time to communicate directly with the school," Adams explained. "We had to inform them that this was more than just a peaceful protest."
Police body cam footage, shared on Twitter, offers a glimpse into the events leading up to the arrests. In the video, the officers are seen preparing to enter Hamilton Hall, moving furniture out of the way. Once inside, the cameras capture the arrests taking place.
In another video obtained by the New York Post, the aftermath of the arrests is shown. The iconic Hamilton Hall, known for its grandeur and history, is left in disarray with smashed windows, barricades, and destroyed furniture. It is a stark contrast to its usual peaceful and academic atmosphere.
As the police continue to investigate the incident, they are still trying to determine how many of the protestors were actually students. According to Politico, Kaz Daughtry, the NYPD's deputy commissioner of operations, has introduced potential charges for any future demonstrators who may require police intervention. Those who barricaded themselves in buildings could face charges of third-degree burglary, trespassing, and criminal mischief, while those in tent encampments could be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
