“I killed Jews in Palestine”: Shocking DOJ files expose Columbia protest leader’s violent past

A central figure in the Columbia University pro-Palestinian protest encampments, Mohsen Mahdawi, has come under intense scrutiny following bombshell revelations about his past that contradict his public image as a peaceful activist. Mahdawi, a 37-year-old Palestinian graduate student and green card holder, was released from federal custody on Wednesday after a judge ordered his immediate freedom, delivering a setback to the Trump administration’s push to curb foreign students tied to pro-Hamas activism.

Mahdawi was arrested by ICE agents on April 14 while attending a citizenship interview in Vermont. Federal authorities argued his presence could negatively impact U.S. foreign policy. However, following the court ruling, Mahdawi will be permitted to live in Vermont and travel to New York City to complete his degree at Columbia University, including participating in graduation ceremonies.

Despite portraying himself as a champion of peace and nonviolence during his release, newly uncovered Department of Justice filings paint a disturbing portrait of Mahdawi’s past. According to official court records from the Trump administration, Mahdawi allegedly confessed to a Vermont gun store owner that he had “considerable firearm experience” and that he had used guns “to kill Jews while he was in Palestine.” This deeply unsettling admission, documented in federal filings, raises grave concerns about Mahdawi’s true motives and the potential threat he poses, especially given his leadership role in highly charged campus demonstrations.

During his speech after walking free from detention, Mahdawi took aim at the administration that had held him. “I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you,” he declared defiantly. He then led chants of “Free Palestine,” urging Americans to defend free speech and resist political intimidation. While the crowd erupted in cheers, critics are sounding the alarm about Mahdawi’s documented history of violent extremism.

“He may speak of peace now, but the record shows he once boasted about killing Jews,” a Jewish Columbia student, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “That is not someone who belongs at the head of any student movement, especially not at an Ivy League institution.”

Mahdawi co-led the controversial encampment alongside fellow activist Mahmoud Khalil, helping organize demonstrations that have sparked national headlines. His past statements, now coming to light, have ignited outrage from Jewish groups and concerned citizens alike. The release of an individual who openly admitted to acts of anti-Semitic violence is a dangerous precedent that should alarm all who stand against hatred and extremism. Someone who openly boasted about murdering Jews should never have been released, let alone allowed back to an educational institution to incite further violence against the Jewish people.

As of now, Columbia University has yet to issue a comment regarding Mahdawi’s disturbing past or his continued leadership role in the campus protests.