‘Completely Unacceptable’: University Protests Spark Fury

Marco Rubio attends a Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing

Columbia University has witnessed significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations as dozens of students occupied Butler Library, disrupting access for other students. The New York Police Department (NYPD) intervened after the protesters refused to leave, citing safety concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that authorities will review the visa status of the protesters, stating that "pro-Hamas" individuals will not be welcomed in the United States.

Marco Rubio, R-Fla., arrives for the 60th Presidential Inauguration

Rubio said, "We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library." He added, "Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation."

Marco Rubio, left, President Donald Trump, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman emphasized the need for immediate action due to the large number of demonstrators disrupting the library. The protest began around mid-afternoon and significantly affected students studying for final exams.

Claire Shipman, Board of Trustees Co-Chair, Columbia University

Shipman said, "Due to the number of individuals participating in the disruption inside and outside of the building, a large group of people attempting to force their way into Butler Library creating a safety hazard, and what we believe to be the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the university, Columbia has taken the necessary step of requesting the presence of NYPD to assist in securing the building and the safety of our community."

Claire Shipman before The House Committee on Education and the Workforce

The NYPD arrested at least 80 individuals during the event. Multiple public safety officers sustained injuries, which further justified the police response.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is shown during a press conference

Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a coalition of student groups, reiterated demands for the university to stop investing its $14.8 billion endowment in companies linked to the Israeli military's occupation of Palestinian territories.

Mayor Eric Adams (with flag) on NYC's 5th Ave during the annual Veterans Day Parade

New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the actions of the protesters while reaffirming the need for peaceful protest and support for the city's Jewish community. Adams said, "As I've said repeatedly, New York City will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness."

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks with reporters

Protesters included individuals not affiliated with the university, contributing to safety risks and necessitating police intervention. Shipman stated, "Requesting the presence of the NYPD was not the outcome we wanted, but that it was necessary to secure the safety of our community. For those not protesting, it was a day lost of studying for final exams in the library."

Kathy Hochul addresses the crowd at Griffiss International Airport

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, "Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable."

Emily Prescott covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.