Violent Protests Erupt at Barnard College as Anti-Israel Demonstrators Clash with Police

Violent Protests Erupt at Barnard College as Anti-Israel Demonstrators Clash with Police

Intense protests unfolded on Thursday at Barnard College in New York City, following a large demonstration by anti-Israel activists the previous day. More than 50 individuals took control of a campus building, sparking unrest that continued into the following day.

The New York Police Department responded to the escalating situation, resulting in multiple arrests during renewed protests. Approximately 100 demonstrators gathered outside the entrance of Barnard, many wearing masks and keffiyehs while chanting, “Free Palestine.” This growing crowd aimed to voice their opposition to current events in the region.

Escalating Tensions and Disturbances

Factors contributing to the rising tension included a march to the nearby City College of New York, targeting an event led by Governor Kathy Hochul, which was canceled amid concerns over the protest. Protesters chanted various slogans, including criticisms aimed at Hochul, alongside phrases like “NYPD KKK,” as they attempted to breach police barricades.

These confrontational actions aimed at getting face-to-face with law enforcement officers raised concerns about public safety and community order. The situation drew attention from various political figures and organizations, enhancing the discourse surrounding campus protests.

Political Reactions and Community Responses

In the wake of the protests, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, vocalized his opposition on social media. He stated that pro-Hamas demonstrators should not occupy college campuses, urging institutions like Barnard College and Columbia University to take decisive action to end what he termed “antisemitic chaos.”

Robin Levine, Barnard’s vice president for strategic communications, confirmed that a faculty member suffered injuries during the Wednesday protest and required hospitalization. Levine indicated a strong critique of the demonstrators’ actions, stating, “They encouraged others to enter the campus without identification, showing blatant disregard for the safety of our community.”

To address security concerns, the college administration issued a warning that students needed to vacate the premises by 9:30 p.m. or face potential disciplinary actions. This ultimatum aimed to maintain order amid the ongoing unrest.

Protesters Leaving the Campus

Reporting from FOX 5 New York indicated that by 11 p.m., protesters began vacating the building they had occupied. This relocation followed a series of tensions and altercations with law enforcement throughout the evening.

The protests were notably linked to a broader context involving the expulsion of two Barnard students who had been involved in a controversial incident at Columbia University earlier in the year. Those students had disrupted a classroom session in January while distributing flyers that contained what many considered hateful rhetoric.

Continued Demonstrations and Student Mobilization

In a show of solidarity, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine shared videos on social media, capturing masked individuals drumming and chanting through hallways at Barnard. The organization attached a series of demands to the visual content, including the reinstatement of the expelled students and the assurance of amnesty for others facing disciplinary actions related to pro-Palestinian stances.

Among the protesters’ demands was a public meeting with college officials, including Dean Leslie Grinage and President Laura Rosenbury. They also called for a reevaluation of the Barnard disciplinary process, seeking transparency in handling current and future cases.

In a bold declaration, the demonstrators insisted that they would not cease their demonstrations until their demands were fulfilled, indicating a long-standing commitment to their cause.

A Community Divided and Forward-Looking Actions

The series of events at Barnard College highlights a growing divide within the community regarding the discourse around Israel and Palestine. The palpable emotions surrounding these protests underscore the complexities of advocating for political beliefs in an academic setting while balancing public safety and community stability.

As tensions remain high, many stakeholders, including academic institutions, local officials, and advocacy groups, will likely continue to engage in dialogue regarding the future of protest policies and the implications of student activism on campuses nationwide.

The current situation serves not only as a reflection of ongoing geopolitical conflicts but also as a microcosm of larger societal discussions that have become increasingly prevalent in academic environments.

Fox News Digital’s Christina Shaw contributed to this report.