New York City Mayor Eric Adams said about 300 people were arrested during the police crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and City College.
Adams, a Democrat who was a police captain, insisted that while the people who entered Columbia’s Hamilton Hall included students, “it was run by people who were not affiliated with the university.”
“Once I learned of the outside agitators who were part of this operation, as Columbia mentioned in its letter and in its request to the New York City Police Department, it became clear that we had to take appropriate action when our division intelligence identified those who were professional, well trained,” Adams said.
“There is a movement to radicalize young people. And I’m not going to wait until it’s done to acknowledge its existence,” he said Wednesday morning on “CBS Mornings.”
Adams and the NYPD made similar claims before the arrests that the protest had been co-opted by outside agitators, although they did not provide specific evidence to support that claim. While those involved in the Columbia protests acknowledge that some people outside the university community have participated, they strongly dispute the idea that outsiders were driving or improperly influencing the protests.
Adams pointed to the protesters who stormed Hamilton Hall at Columbia University and said some of the tactics and methods have been used around the world.
“And we understood how dangerous this situation had become,” Adams said, noting that they made sure a minimal amount of force was used to “eradicate the problem” at the City University of New York and Columbia.
When an analysis of those arrested is done, Adams said a substantial number of them will not be students at the City University of New York or Columbia.
Adams said he understands the power of protests, but they need to make sure they don’t turn violent. Breaking into Hamilton Hall was not protesting, “that was committing a crime,” he said.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard, appearing with the mayor, held up a heavy chain.
“This is not what students bring to school,” Sheppard said. “This is what we found on every door inside Hamilton Hall.”
Sheppard said between 40 and 50 people were arrested at Hamilton Hall with no injuries. Adams said they will face charges including theft, burglary and criminal mischief, while those who were arrested outside the building will face less serious charges.
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