2 Columbia Safety Officers Hurt as Scores of Pro-Palestinian Protesters Force Way into Library

NEW YORK — What started as a typical afternoon on the campus of Columbia University quickly spiraled into disorder on Wednesday, when a group of roughly 100 pro-Palestinian protesters forced their way into the university’s Butler Library, disrupting final exam prep and prompting police action. By the end of the day, several public safety officers were injured, dozens were in handcuffs, and yet again, Columbia found itself at the center of controversy.

According to Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman, what began as a demonstration outside the library turned chaotic when protesters, many masked and some wearing traditional keffiyehs, surged past campus security and stormed Room 301 of the Butler Reading Room around 3:15 p.m.

Videos shared on social media show the activists pushing through the library doors. At one point, someone pulled a fire alarm inside the building to add to the confusion. The university confirmed that two Columbia Public Safety officers were injured during this crowd surge, calling the protest “outrageous” and unacceptable.

“The individuals who disrupted activities in Butler Reading Room 301 still refuse to identify themselves and leave the building,” said Shipman in a statement.

While the protest reportedly began peacefully, it quickly escalated. After students refused to comply with security and show identification, clashes broke out—not just in the library, but across parts of the campus. NYPD officers, who had previously stayed off Columbia grounds, were called in after the university made a formal request for assistance.

“Due to the number of individuals participating in the disruption…and what we believe to be the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the university, Columbia has taken the necessary step of requesting the presence of NYPD to assist in securing the building and the safety of our community,” said Shipman.

About 60 to 70 protesters were taken into custody, Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry told WABC-TV. Some were carried out in handcuffs, and at least one was transported on a gurney to a Columbia ambulance.

Outside the building, activists played drums and plastered the area with signs calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate currently detained by U.S. immigration authorities. This marks the third takeover of a campus building this semester by pro-Palestinian activists.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams released a firm statement backing law enforcement and the university’s decision to take control:

“As I’ve said repeatedly, New York City will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness… To our Jewish New Yorkers, especially the students at Columbia who feel threatened or unsafe attending class because of these events: Know that your mayor stands with you and will always work to keep you safe.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul echoed that sentiment:

“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable.”

With final exams starting Friday, Columbia officials made it clear that enough is enough. In a campus-wide statement, the university said it would not tolerate any more disruptions.

“These disruptions of our campus and academic activities will not be tolerated. Individuals found to be in violation of University Rules and policies will face disciplinary consequences,” the university said.

“Columbia strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, some of which we witnessed today.”

This incident comes just weeks after the Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal research funding from Columbia, citing the university’s failure to protect Jewish students during previous protests. That decision has already led to significant cuts at the school—including nearly 180 staff layoffs and a crackdown on protest rules.

Brian Cohen, executive director of Columbia’s Hillel, made his frustration known on social media:

“Once again, protesters violated many University rules and infringed on the rights of Jewish students to study for exams without being screamed at and harassed. We are grateful to the public safety officers who, at great risk to themselves, tried to stop the protesters from storming the library. The University must act quickly and decisively to discipline every student involved in today’s takeover, and the local authorities must do the same for non-students involved.”

As the dust settles, Columbia is left with a clear decision: restore order or continue allowing radical activism to disrupt its campus and jeopardize student safety. With the Trump administration watching closely—and federal dollars on the line—how the university handles this moment may define its future.