NYPD Clears Columbia University Of Protesters

Members of the NYPD stormed Columbia University on Tuesday night, clearing the campus of pro-Palestinian protesters who had been camped out for nearly two weeks.

The police response came less than 24 hours after demonstrators barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall when the school began suspending students who defied a deadline to clear their encampment. The NYPD said it made dozens of arrests.

The protesters had been calling on Columbia to divest from businesses related to Israel. The NYPD had been positioned near the campus for days, but said it couldn't take action until the school requested help. Columbia finally requested that assistance amid growing public pressure and criticism of the protesters from Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul and the White House.

The NYPD will remain on campus through the middle of May to ensure there's a peaceful commencement ceremony.

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