(Daily360.com) Protesters who oppose Israel’s response to the October 7 terrorist attacks in Gaza took over Hamilton Hall, a historic building at Columbia University in the past few days.
They said they would not leave and their actions were immediately compared to the January 6 insurrection. On April 30, the NYPD stormed the historic building to clear out protestors. Officers were dressed in riot gear during the feud and they made 120 arrests.
The protestors initially broke windows about to gain access to the building 12 hours following a deadline to vacate the encampment. The protestors that failed to leave before the deadline were threatened with suspension from the university. Later that evening, the NYPD was called to the university with riot gear to clear the scene.
After the students overtook the building, they grabbed tables and chairs to block the doors. A New York Congressman, Ritchie Torres, commented that violence is an intentional feature of the Palestinian protests that are antisemitic in nature. Rep. Elise Stefanik stated that Columbia University has failed to denounce antisemitic protesters on campus. She added that they have not enforced the university’s behavioral rules by allowing the demonstrations to continue.
The NYPD used flash bangs to distract the protestors while they began to move into the building. They did not use tear gas to secure the area. The officers used a ladder truck to gain entrance through the second story windows.
Donald Trump promptly compared the occupation to the events on January 6, 2021 that were referred to as an insurrection. He questioned whether the occupiers at Columbia University would get the same level of treatment that January 6 protestors received. He stated that he thinks these protesters will get more favorable treatment. Trump added that faith has been lost in the United States court systems.
This occurs against the backdrop of the former president facing multiple criminal charges while trying to find free time to campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
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