Dozens of pro-Palestinian students at Columbia University in New York were arrested after seizing control of the Butler Library on campus, vandalizing equipment, and spray-painting anti-Israel graffiti yesterday (Wednesday). U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the visa status of the involved students would be reviewed, labeling them “pro-Hamas thugs” who are “no longer welcome in our great nation.”
According to reports, approximately 100 students participated in the overnight riot, which disrupted students preparing for final exams. The protesters barricaded doors, damaged property, and clashed with university public safety officers, with some alleging the presence of faculty, including Professor Gil Zussman, who has been linked to controversial anti-Palestinian rhetoric.
The university administration demanded the protesters vacate the library, and when they refused, the New York Police Department was called, resulting in the arrest of several dozen demonstrators. Hundreds later marched through the streets, chanting against Israel and Columbia’s leadership.
