In a dramatic escalation of tensions over the ongoing Gaza conflict, over 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested at Columbia University on Wednesday evening after occupying a reading room in the university's renowned Butler Library. This incident has once again ignited debates on U.S. campuses regarding the Middle East conflict and its implications for scholarly environments.

The occupation commenced around 3 PM local time when a group of protesters, many of whom were masked and adorned in traditional keffiyehs, surged into the second-floor reading room of Butler Library. Eyewitness accounts captured the protesters chanting slogans such as "We have nothing to lose but our chains!" as they transformed the area into what they declared a "liberated zone," renaming it the “Basel Al-Araj Popular University.” This name pays tribute to Basel Al-Araj, a Palestinian activist who was killed by Israeli forces in 2017.

Demonstrators displayed banners advocating a “Strike for Gaza,” climbed atop desks while utilizing megaphones to amplify their message, and distributed pamphlets calling on the university to divest from companies they allege are profiting from Israel’s military actions. Reports indicate that some protesters went so far as to deface library walls and tables, leading to a contentious atmosphere. One particularly provocative sign read, “Columbia Will Burn,” signaling the heightened emotions surrounding the protest.

In response to the escalating situation, university officials initially deployed campus security to manage the crowd, issuing warnings that students could face disciplinary action and even arrest if they did not vacate the premises. However, the tensions heightened when protesters refused to identify themselves, claiming they felt "kettled" within the library. Recognizing the need for a more substantial response, Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman ultimately requested the intervention of the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Shipman expressed the gravity of the situation in a statement, saying, “Requesting the presence of the NYPD is not the outcome we wanted, but it was absolutely necessary to secure the safety of our community.” Following the request, two public safety officers sustained injuries during the crowd surge, while demonstrators also reported injuries, including one person seen leaving the scene on a stretcher with an ice pack on their arm.

The NYPD, equipped in riot gear, arrived around 7 PM and proceeded to enter the library, arresting a total of 75 individuals during the operation, as reported by The Guardian. Footage captured from the incident depicted protesters being escorted out in zip ties and loaded onto waiting buses. Earlier that evening, at 6 PM, a message had been sent to students informing them that the library was closed and that the area needed to be cleared.

New York Mayor Eric Adams condemned the protest as “unacceptable,” stating that the NYPD acted based on a formal request from the university. He emphasized, “We will never tolerate lawlessness,” and warned that protesters not affiliated with Columbia would be subject to arrest. New York Governor Kathy Hochul added her voice to the conversation, asserting, “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism, or destruction of property are completely unacceptable.”

In a more politically charged remark, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the visa status of any international students participating in the protest would be under scrutiny, labeling the demonstrators “pro-Hamas thugs.” Jewish student organizations also expressed discontent with the protest, with one group sharing an image of the damaged library, denouncing the actions as “unacceptable behavior in a space meant for learning.”

The backdrop of this protest is significant, as Columbia faces pressure from the previous Trump administration, which previously cut over $400 million in federal research funding due to accusations that the university failed to safeguard Jewish students. According to The New York Times, university officials are currently engaged in discussions aimed at restoring this funding. Compounding this situation, Columbia recently announced nearly 180 staff layoffs, primarily linked to the research grants affected by the funding cuts.

This protest closely resembles last spring’s occupation of Hamilton Hall and the broader encampment movements that have been occurring across numerous U.S. campuses. In response to these incidents, Columbia has enacted stricter security measures, including a ban on masks during demonstrations and empowering 36 campus safety officers with arrest authority.

Interestingly, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), the group that orchestrated Wednesday's protest, has faced criticism for its calls to support armed resistance. Their most recent statement encouraged students to “propagate the successes of the heroic Palestinian armed resistance in weakening Israel and U.S. imperialism.” As final exams approach, university officials have stressed that any disruptions to academic activities will not be tolerated. President Shipman remarked, “Disruptions to our academic activities will not be tolerated, especially while our students prepare for final exams.”