In a recent development, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has taken action to clear out protesters from various college campuses in New York City. The operation, which took place on Friday, saw the NYPD breaking up an “illegal encampment” at New York University (NYU) and The New School. The protesters had been demonstrating against Israel’s actions in Gaza, leading to a significant police presence on campus.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry shared photos of “inflammatory literature and signage” found at the protest sites. One piece of literature explicitly called for “Death to America” and “Death to Israeli real-estate.” This discovery has raised concerns about the nature of the protests and the messages being conveyed by the protesters.
Pencils, books, laptops, those are the tools of students and what you expect to find on a college campus. But here’s what the NYPD found in Hamilton Hall at Columbia University after we were able to arrest the protestors and agitators for commandeering and barricading themselves… pic.twitter.com/EKQV6nJySu
— NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) May 3, 2024
NYPD Chief John Chell confirmed that officers had arrested 56 people, with 99% of those arrested being students. The operation was carried out at the request of school presidents, with cleaning crews called in to remove tents and sweep away the belongings of the protesters.
Officials with the NYPD also released body camera footage showing officers in action clearing out the encampment
NYPD BODY CAM OF THE COLUMBIA ARRESTS REAL TIME pic.twitter.com/W1paKimKiA
— Rich McHugh (@RichMcHugh) May 2, 2024
The NYPD has stated that they “proudly protect everyone’s right to free speech and peaceful protest.” However, the discovery of the inflammatory signs has led to questions about the line between free speech and inciting violence.
This is not the first time that the NYPD has been called to clear out protesters from these campuses. On April 22, more than 100 students were arrested at NYU for demonstrating in solidarity with Columbia University students and in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
NYPD officers raid the NYU encampment and throw protesters tents in a GARBAGE TRUCK.
Garbage trucks arrived outside the university to help dispose of the huge amount of waste, tents and personal items that were left dumped.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 3, 2024
