Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests have escalated into riots as students and others at Columbia University vandalized and barricaded themselves into Hamilton Hall on campus.
Protests kicked off at Columbia University two weeks ago as demonstrators constructed a so-called “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on campus. Police were later called upon by University President Minouche Shafik who subsequently arrested upwards of 100 students.
Similar protests at New York University, Yale, and other universities across the country have also started since then, leading to other instances of police presence on campuses to disperse demonstrators.
Early Tuesday morning, demonstrators became violent and broke into Hamilton Hall on campus before barricading themselves inside. Students chanted "Disclose, divest, we will not stop. We will not rest."
One facilities staff member was reportedly taken hostage inside the besieged building, though was later released.
Another person possibly taken hostage reportedly said "No I'm not okay, my mental is not okay."
It is unclear if hostages were forcefully taken into Hamilton Hall or prevented from leaving.
Several counter-protesters were blocked by rioters who formed a circle around the detractors and blocked off their movement with university tables.
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) shared a joint post to their Instagram accounts announcing "An autonomous group of students [have] taken matters into their own hands. They will remain in Hamilton until the university divests from death."
"We know that the university will remember them as anti-apartheid, anti-genocide activists with moral clarity," the post continued. "The real test is how Columbia chooses to respond."
Rioters then draped a pro-Palestinian banner reading, "Gaza Calls, Columbia Falls" outside a window at Hamilton Hall. Others hung a Palestinian flag outside the building.
Rioters then began concealing windows throughout the building as one speaker stated, "This building is now liberated."
"We will not leave until Columbia meets every one of our demands," the speaker asserted.
Another banner was draped from Hamilton Hall reading, "Intifada."
New York Police Department (NYPD) have not entered campus as of 2 a.m. EST.
Per a notice issued by Shafik, students were given until 2 p.m. EST on Monday to disperse their encampment or face suspension.
“As you are probably aware, the dialogue between the University and student leaders of the encampment is, regrettably, at an impasse,” Shafik's notice stated. “The current unauthorized encampment and disruption on Columbia University’s campus is creating an unwelcoming environment for members of our community. External actors have also contributed to this environment, especially around our gates, causing safety concerns – including for our neighbors.”
“We regret that we need to take these actions, but we must restore order to the campus so that all students can complete their work for the term, study for exams, and feel welcome in the community,” the notice added.
