Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after storming Columbia Univ. library

Dozens arrested after Columbia library protest

At least 75 people were arrested after a group of pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Butler Library at Columbia University, disrupting students studying for exams. According to university officials, some of those involved were not students, and two Columbia public safety officers were injured. FOX 5's Linda Schmidt has the story.

NEW YORK - The NYPD arrested at least 75 people after dozens of apparent pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library, disrupting students preparing for exams. 

"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," the University said in a statement. 

Videos shared on social media showed the long line of NYPD officers entering the library hours after dozens of protesters pushed their way past campus security officers, raced into the building, then hung Palestinian flags and other banners on bookshelves in an ornate reading room. Some protesters also appeared to have scrawled "Columbia will burn" across framed pictures.

Other videos showed campus security officers barring another group of protesters from entering the library, with both sides shoving to try and force the other group aside.

What we know:

According to the New York Post, video footage shows the activists pushing past a security guard at the library's entrance. Once inside, they displayed large signs, including one declaring the library a "liberated zone" and another with the name of Bassel al-Araj, a Palestinian activist killed in 2017, though his name was misspelled.

Columbia University's Public Safety Team responded to the disruption in reading room 301 of Butler Library, asking individuals for identification and requesting them to disperse, according to the university.

What we don't know:

The identities of the protesters remain unknown, as none have complied with requests for identification or departure. The university has warned that failure to comply could result in violations of rules and possible arrest.

What they're saying:

Columbia University officials have condemned the disruption, stating it is unacceptable for individuals to interfere with academic activities. 

In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams said: "At the written request of Columbia University, the NYPD is entering the campus to remove individuals who are trespassing."

"As I've said repeatedly, New York City will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness. 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," Adams said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also denounced the protesters. "Everyone has the right to peacefully protest," the Democrat wrote on X. "But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable."

The backstory:

Columbia University is facing financial challenges following President Donald Trump's decision to cancel $400 million in funding due to the university's handling of student protests against the war in Gaza. This has led to nearly 180 staff layoffs, representing about 20% of those funded by the terminated federal grants, according to the Associated Press.

The university is working with the Trump administration to restore funding, while also managing budget constraints.