Two Columbia University Staff Among 44 Arrested in Anti-Israel Protests at Columbia University

There have been recent anti-Israel protests inside Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, which was unlawfully occupied earlier this week.

University officials have confirmed that 44 individuals were arrested during these protests, including two university employees.

According to a press release issued by Columbia, approximately 30% of the individuals detained during the incident had no official ties to the Ivy League institution.

A protester is arrested at Hamilton Hall at Columbia University on Tuesday night.Getty Images

The university emphasized that a significant portion of the individuals involved in the unlawful occupation were outsiders, highlighting the diverse nature of the group.

The arrested individuals were a diverse group, including adults, graduate students, and university employees with varying levels of affiliation with Columbia University.

Although the majority of the arrestees were not affiliated with the institution, the statement highlighted that fourteen Columbia undergraduates, nine graduate students, and two staff members were among them.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators from the Columbia University encampment and Hamilton Hall are held in an NYPD corrections bus.John Lamparski/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Members of the NYPD detain protesters at Columbia.Getty Images

Additionally, six individuals taken into custody were identified as students from institutions affiliated with Columbia, underscoring the broad range of participants involved in the protest activity.

These developments shed light on the complexities surrounding the situation and the diverse backgrounds of those engaged in the protest actions. University officials continue to examine the incident, prompting discussions within the Columbia community and beyond.