NYPD riot police breach barricaded Columbia building to remove protesters
NYPD riot police officers forcefully entered Columbia University’s barricaded Hamilton Hall to disperse protesting students. The campus was sealed off as officers arrested protesters. Videos captured the dramatic entry through a second-floor window using a tactical vehicle. The scene depicted officers in full gear with riot shields. Police presence increased as more officers entered the building. NYPD riot police officers breached Columbia University’s barricaded Hamilton Hall to disperse protesting students. The campus was sealed off as officers arrested protesters. Videos captured the dramatic entry through a second-floor window using a tactical vehicle. The scene showed officers in full gear with riot shields. Police presence escalated as more officers entered the building.
New York Police Department riot police officers stormed Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, which had been occupied and barricaded by protesting students.
On Tuesday night, hundreds of NYPD officers with tactical vehicles arrived on campus, sealing it off. An email from the university went out to students, ordering them to stay in place.
After securing the perimeter, police began to arrest protesters. Riot police then moved on to Hamilton Hall, using a tactical vehicle to force entry through a second-story window.
Videos showed an armored vehicle lowering a drawbridge near the window, which was then opened by riot police and entered. The police were seen in full tactical gear, with riot shields and appearing to have guns drawn.
Armored Vehicles with the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group have moved up to the Windows of Hamilton Hall on Columbia University, with a Storming of the 2nd Floor of the Building by Riot Police and Tactical Teams appearing to be Imminent. pic.twitter.com/Kju7xTiZ1W
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 1, 2024
Tactical Officers with the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group have begun to enter the Barricaded Hamilton Hall via the 2nd Floor Windows. pic.twitter.com/lowTIzANM0
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 1, 2024
Dozens of officers followed the initial team, filling the building.
A line of NYPD police officer is waiting to enter the second floor of Columbia University’s occupied Hamilton Hall. pic.twitter.com/mETokQSQe8
— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) May 1, 2024
Several students were seen being taken off campus in zip ties and taken to NYPD buses, the New York Times reported.
A large crowd of protesters gathered outside the building, blocked off by a cordon of police, to chant and protest. The NYPD issued an order for protesters by the university gate to disperse.
Columbia student radio reported that tear gas was deployed inside Hamilton Hall.
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Columbia defended its decision to ask the NYPD to intervene as having no other choice.
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“We regret that protesters have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions. After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice,” it said.
“We believe that the group that broke into and occupied the building is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University,” it added.
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