Violent Clashes at NYU Pro-Palestinian Protest: Over 100 Arrested by NYPD

New York — A camp for Palestine at NYU was cleared by police Monday night, this resulted in over 100 arrests.

The NYPD moved into the demonstration at Gould Plaza near the Stern School of Business just after 8:15 pm and began taking down tents and making arrests.

CBS New York’s Dan Rice reported that at least two dozen demonstrators were taken to four police buses. While that was happening, protestors started throwing objects in the direction of police officers.

“We stand with Palestine and we stand with the liberation of all people,” said one activist.

After the police moved in, many protesters moved to an area on West 3rd Street in Greenwich Township, near the Stern School of Business. Others with signs began marching peacefully in Lower Manhattan.

Earlier in the day, the students took over the steps of the school and were joined by some members of the faculty as well. several pro-Palestinian groups gathered in solidarity. They also set up the aforementioned tents.

“Unity is power. We are all here in unity to support Gaza, Palestine,” said student Carter Bui.

NYU officials said the barriers set up there had been breached.

“We have seen disorderly, disruptive and abusive behavior that has compromised the safety and security of our community,” the security chief said.

What the activists want

Demonstrators were ordered to clear the plaza area by 4pm on Monday.

“We want to see recognition from our university that genocide is happening and that there are Palestinian students who deserve to be heard, who deserve to feel safe in their environment, and who deserve a university that to call their people genocide. ,” said one of them.

“It certainly helps to see that there are a lot of people from our school who support the movement and are not afraid of our school’s response,” said another.

Across the street from the rally was a group standing with an Israeli flag. One of them had only one thing to say.

“There is one side here and one side of history. This is the right side here. That’s all I have to say,” said the man.

Earlier in the day, CBS New York met two people who were at odds – one pro-Israel, the other pro-Palestinian – but came together to have a constructive conversation.

“At the end of the day, the people who want the best of the situation, they want the most peaceful situation for everybody,” said an NYU junior named Jacob.

“I feel like a lot of people should get out here more and if you don’t know what’s going on, educate yourself first,” said freshman Kimora Davidson.

NYU: “We will continue to support the right of individuals to freedom of expression”

NYU released the following statement Monday evening:

“Today’s events did not need to follow this outcome.

“This morning, around 50 activists started a demonstration on the plaza in front of the business school. This happened without notice to the University, and without permission. The University closed access to the plaza, put barriers in place, and made it clear that we They were not going to allow additional protesters to join him because the protests were already ‘ causing serious disruption to classes and other activities in schools around the plaza.

“However, we did not make any move to clear the runway at that stage because the University’s ambitions were to avoid any escalation or violence. Therefore, the University was very disturbed when, early this afternoon, additional activists, many of whom we did not believe. connected to NYU, he suddenly broke the barriers that had been put in place at the north side of the plaza and joined the others that were already on the plaza.

“This development changed the situation significantly. We saw unruly, disruptive and abusive behavior that interfered with the safety and security of our community, and showed how quickly a demonstration can get out of control or hurt people. , we explained to the protesters that they had to disperse in an hour, and that there would be no negative consequences.

“However, many refused to leave. We also learned that scary chants and several antisemitic incidents were reported. Given the aforementioned and the safety issues raised by the breach, we requested assistance from the NYPD. The police urged those on the plaza to leave peacefully, but in the end several arrests were made.

“We will continue to support the right of individuals to freedom of expression, and, as we have said since October, the safety of our students and maintaining a fair learning environment remain paramount.”

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