Two Arrested as Pro-Hamas Anti-Israel Protesters Cause Chaos at Columbia and Barnard on School’s First Day

Columbia University and Barnard College experienced significant disruptions as anti-Israel protests took over the campuses on the first day of the new academic year.

The NYPD arrested two people amidst the chaos, which saw dozens of demonstrators clashing with security forces and creating long delays for students trying to enter the campuses.

New York City Police Department officers arresting a pro-Palestine protestor during a demonstration outside Barnard College of Columbia University on the first day of Fall semester, 2024. James Keivom

Protesters gathered in large numbers, forming picket lines and banging drums, causing major disruptions as students waited to pass through security checks. At Columbia, demonstrators were seen shouting slogans such as “over 100,000 dead, Columbia, your hands are red” and “don’t cross the picket line, we must honour Palestine.”

A woman participating in a Pro-Palestine protest outside Barnard College of Columbia University, holding a sign and pointing, on the first day of fall semester classes, September 3, 2024. James Keivom

A similar scene unfolded outside neighbouring Barnard College, where two individuals, one wearing a keffiyeh scarf, were taken into custody.

The protests caused significant delays, with up to 150 students waiting around the block to enter through the gates at Broadway and West 116th Street. By midday, the iconic Alma Mater statue was defaced with red paint on campus, further escalating tensions.

The unrest at Columbia follows a turbulent spring semester marked by antisemitic incidents and heightened anti-Israel sentiment. Columbia’s former president, Minouche Shafik, resigned amid criticism of her handling of the situation.

Members of the New York City Police Department arresting a pro-Palestine protestor during a demonstration outside Barnard College of Columbia University. James Keivom

Interim President Katrina Armstrong has pledged to address the balance between free speech and campus safety.

A recent 91-page report criticised Columbia for failing to adequately address the harassment and verbal abuse of Jewish and Israeli students following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Governor Kathy Hochul has since called for stricter enforcement of disciplinary measures and enhanced security measures at New York colleges to prevent similar disruptions.

Pro-Palestine protestors demonstrating with signs as Columbia University students line up to enter campus on the first day of fall semester, 2024. Jack Morphet/NY Post

The Office for the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has used £65,000 in funding to provide dashcams to motorists and cyclists, a move aimed at increasing safety and accountability.

Rowdy demonstrators formed a picket line and banged drums as scores of students waited in lengthy lines to pass through security and gain access to Columbia’s campus Tuesday. James Keivom

Students trying to access the campus expressed frustration with the protests. Aryeh Krischer, a graduate student, described the situation as an inconvenience, while junior student Lyell was surprised by the extent of the disruption. Some students and faculty fear that ongoing disruptions are likely, given the lack of significant changes since last semester.

The protesters — including many brandishing signs declaring “Resist until victory” — could be heard chanting, “Over 100,000 dead, Columbia, your hands are red.” James Keivom

PhD student Alon Levin criticized the continuation of protests and the vandalism of the Alma Mater statue, calling it a sign of disrespect and hostility. Meanwhile, anti-Israel student organizers, led by Mahmoud Khalil, have vowed to escalate their actions, including future protests and encampments.

Pro-Palestinian supporters form a picket line outside Columbia University, Tuesday, Sep. 3. AP

A statue splashed in red paint at Columbia University. Alon Levin for NY Post

Freshman Columbia and Barnard students Lila and Shoshana, who are Jewish, hold up signs as they counter-protest pro-Palestinian supporters outside Columbia University. REUTERS

A protester is arrested outside of Barnard College. James Keivom

The UnMaskHateNY Coalition condemned the use of masks by protesters, calling it a threat to safety and accountability on campus. The group, formed by civil rights leaders, aims to prevent intimidation and ensure a safe environment for all New Yorkers.