NYPD Chief Justifies Role in Columbia Protests Post AOC Criticism
The New York City Police Department Chief defends the deployment of NYPD units at Columbia University after criticisms from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ocasio-Cortez condemned the NYPD’s actions, including the arrest of 100 protesters, which led to the suspension of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter, Isra Hirsi. The chief emphasized the importance of accountability and adherence to the law in responding to the controversy.
The chief of the New York City Police Department is speaking out after receiving criticism over the way officers are treating pro-Palestinan protesters at Columbia University.
Patrol Chief John Chell took to X to respond to remarks from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who slammed the department for deploying its counterterrorism unit on campus after arresting 100 protesters on suspicion of trespassing. Among them was Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D-MN) daughter, Isra Hirsi, who was subsequently suspended.
“Not only did Columbia make the horrific decision to mobilize NYPD on their own students, but the units called in have some of the most violent reputations on the force,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote Wednesday. “NYPD had promised the city they wouldn’t deploy [Strategic Response Group] to protests.”
Ocasio-Cortez also came to Hirsi’s defense promptly following her suspension, pointing to the fact she had “no disciplinary record” and accused the school of engaging in “asymmetric crackdowns on Palestinian human rights protests.”
“Truly amazing! Columbia decided to hold its students accountable to the laws of the school. They are seeing the consequences of their actions. Something these kids were most likely never taught,” Chell responded. “Good SAT scores and self-entitlement do not supersede the law. I am sure you would agree that we have to teach them these valuable life skills.”
Truly amazing! Columbia decided to hold its students accountable to the laws of the school. They are seeing the consequences of their actions. Something these kids were most likely never taught. Good SAT scores and self-entitlement do not supersede the law. I am sure you would… https://t.co/zKQbjklzks
— NYPD Chief of Patrol (@NYPDChiefPatrol) April 25, 2024
Chell continued to assert that all the arrested students submitted peacefully and there were no injuries or violence reported by police. Officers arrived at the request of Columbia University, which reported the danger.
“The only incidents that day on campus were the student’s hateful anti-Semitic speech and vile language towards our cops. I am sure you agree any hateful speech is unacceptable. You should rethink your comments to a simple thank you to the NYPD and hate has no place in our society,” Chell continued. “Maybe you should walk around Columbia and NYU and listen to their remarks of pure hatred. I will ensure those “units” will protect you as they do for all NYers 24/7/365.”
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This comes two weeks before the university’s final exams, as Columbia University’s Orthodox Union Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus suggested Jewish students “return home as soon as possible and remain home” due to antisemitic threats.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the White House have issued statements condemning antisemitism among the Columbia protesters. The university has shifted most of its classes online amid the protests. As a result, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is facing calls to resign.
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