NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 — New York City police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University on Wednesday evening after demonstrators occupied part of the university’s Butler Library, escalating tensions on the eve of final exams. The NYPD’s intervention, requested by Columbia’s administration, followed reports of trespassing and injuries to two public safety officers during the protest.
According to the NYPD, officers responded to the campus around 6 p.m. after university officials reported that a group of individuals had illegally entered and occupied Butler Library, a central hub for student study. Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, stated that the university called for police assistance due to the “significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the University,” a large crowd attempting to force entry into the library, and safety concerns stemming from the disruption. Shipman confirmed that two public safety officers sustained injuries during the incident, though the extent of their injuries was not disclosed, as reported.
Social media posts on X reported that protesters were required to show identification to leave the area, with those refusing to comply facing arrest. The NYPD stated that “multiple individuals” who ignored verbal warnings to disperse were taken into custody, with estimates of at least 30 to 50 arrests based on unverified accounts circulating online. The department has not yet released an official count of detainees or detailed charges, which may include trespassing, disorderly conduct, or assault, pending further investigation.
The occupation of Butler Library marks the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, which have drawn national attention since 2024. Last year, police cleared Hamilton Hall after a similar takeover, arresting over 100 demonstrators, many of whom faced charges of trespassing and criminal mischief. Columbia’s administration emphasized that Wednesday’s police action was not in response to the protesters’ cause but to their violation of university rules, echoing statements made during prior incidents. The university has faced criticism from some students and faculty who argue that such responses stifle free speech and escalate tensions unnecessarily.
Protesters, some masked and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, reportedly barricaded themselves inside the library, prompting a heavy police presence outside. Images shared on X showed officers in riot gear detaining individuals and leading them to police buses, with crowds outside the library shouting “Free Palestine” and “Let them go.” Some posts claimed that foreign students involved risked visa revocation, though no official confirmation from the State Department or Columbia was available at the time of reporting.
The incident has reignited debates over campus protest policies and police involvement. New York Mayor Eric Adams, who has previously attributed campus unrest to “outside agitators,” did not comment directly on Wednesday’s arrests but has consistently supported NYPD actions to maintain public safety. Meanwhile, student activists, including members of Columbia University Apartheid Divest, reiterated their demands for divestment from companies tied to Israel, greater financial transparency, and amnesty for disciplined protesters.
Columbia’s campus was placed on lockdown Wednesday night, with access restricted to residential students and essential staff. The university, already grappling with the fallout from past protests, faces mounting pressure to balance free expression with campus safety as the academic year nears its close. Finals, scheduled to begin Thursday, may face further disruptions as the administration assesses the situation.
The NYPD and Columbia University have promised updates on the number of arrests and the status of those detained. As of late Wednesday, no injuries to protesters were reported by police, though independent accounts have yet to be verified.
Watch the video of the protesters getting arrested:
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