Numerous individuals, including non-students, were apprehended by the New York Police Department (NYPD) during the crackdown on encampments at Columbia University and the City University of New York (CUNY). The protests, advocating for Palestine, encountered a significant police response, resulting in over 280 arrests. However, the exact number of students among those arrested remains unclear.
At Columbia University, where at least 109 protesters were detained, some individuals had unlawfully entered an academic building, while others had set up camp on the South Lawn. Meanwhile, additional arrests were made at City College, with non-student Fernando Bobis, a 42-year-old doctor from Washington Heights, being among those charged with disorderly conduct.
The involvement of non-students in protests at prestigious American universities is surprising. Sometimes, well-intentioned demonstrations can be co-opted by individuals or organizations with their own agendas, leading to disruptions and confrontations with authorities.
Jesse Pape, a notable anti-Israel activist, was also arrested at CUNY on assault charges after allegedly hurling a water bottle at a female police officer. Pape has previously clashed with NYPD officers at other pro-Palestine rallies and has been accused by the Anti-Defamation League of promoting antisemitic sentiments.
Another non-student, James Carlson, faced charges of burglary at Columbia University. Carlson, who has participated in local protests that disrupted bridges and tunnels, was also accused of criminal mischief, possession of stolen property, and arson related to an incident where a Jewish counter-protester was targeted outside the university.
Additionally, Nora Fayad and Amelia Fuller were arrested at City College and charged with attempted burglary. Fayad was captured on video chanting pro-Hamas slogans, while Fuller had previously been arrested during a protest that blocked the Williamsburg Bridge.
Despite the arrests, some students, like Barnard College's Maryam Iqbal, remained committed to the Palestinian liberation movement. Iqbal, who was previously arrested in April, stated that her suspension and eviction from Barnard only strengthened her resolve to advocate for Palestinian rights.
The raids on the university campuses followed the establishment of tent encampments nearly two weeks earlier, where demands were made for divestment from Israel and amnesty for those arrested and suspended during the protests.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams attributed the chaos on college campuses to "outside agitators" seeking to radicalize young people. He acknowledged that while some students were involved in the protests, the takeover of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University was primarily led by individuals unaffiliated with the university.
Criticism has been directed at the NYPD's involvement in the crackdown, with concerns raised about the suppression of free speech on campus. As a result, the institutions remained under partial lockdown, restricting access to only those with university IDs and essential personnel.
