NYPD Clears Anti-Israel Tent Encampments: Dozens Arrested at NYU and The New School
In a decisive move orchestrated by New York City police, more than a dozen protesters found themselves in handcuffs as law enforcement officers dispersed anti-Israel tent encampments set up by students at New York University and The New School. Following directives from college authorities, the NYPD executed the clearance operation on Friday morning, with 13 protesters detained during the evacuation of the encampment located at the John A. Paulson Center on Bleeker Street, as per sources within law enforcement.
The scene quickly transformed as workers commenced a thorough cleaning, employing power-washing techniques to eliminate any remnants of the protest. By noon, the NYPD unloaded approximately 80 barricades near the site, although the purpose of these barriers remained ambiguous.
Local sentiments echoed a mixture of relief and concern. Paulina Grezon, an NYU alum and resident, expressed relief at the departure of the demonstrators, citing discomfort caused by the encampment and instances of antisemitism. However, one current NYU student, opting for anonymity, voiced frustration over the abrupt dismantling, perceiving it as unwarranted.
The encampment at NYU, in existence since April 26th according to the school, faced a thorough disbandment. Videos captured police officers in riot gear stationed at every campus entrance while others worked diligently to clear the area of tents and protest debris.
Similar scenes unfolded at The New School and Parsons, where encampments were also being dismantled under police supervision. Independent journalist Katie Smith's footage depicted officers initiating the clearance process at The New School, culminating in the arrest of at least 43 individuals, as confirmed by law enforcement sources.
Among those affected was Vayle Anglan, a 20-year-old drama student at The New School, who expressed frustration at the disruption caused by the arrests.
NYU Lockdown: Police Presence and Class Cancellations Amidst Clearing of Anti-Israel Encampment
As tensions escalated at New York University, students found themselves locked out of campus buildings, with a formidable police presence stationed at every entrance. Amidst the lockdown, frustration mounted as individuals discovered that all scheduled shows and classes were abruptly canceled.
The encampment, a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, had persisted peacefully for weeks, with occupants merely occupying their tents in support of the cause. However, NYU's decision to involve the NYPD came swiftly following reports of an officer's accidental discharge of a firearm during a tumultuous raid on Hamilton Hall at Columbia University.
The NYPD's mandate to clear the academic building stemmed from anti-Israel protesters unlawfully occupying the premises, defying administrative directives to vacate. Tuesday night witnessed a mass arrest of approximately 300 individuals, comprising both students and non-students, at protests spanning Columbia University and City College, as confirmed by NYPD reports.
NYU Lockdown: Police Presence and Class Cancellations Amidst Clearing of Anti-Israel Encampment
As tensions escalated at New York University, students found themselves locked out of campus buildings, with a formidable police presence stationed at every entrance. Amidst the lockdown, frustration mounted as individuals discovered that all scheduled shows and classes were abruptly canceled.
The encampment, a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, had persisted peacefully for weeks, with occupants merely occupying their tents in support of the cause. However, NYU's decision to involve the NYPD came swiftly following reports of an officer's accidental discharge of a firearm during a tumultuous raid on Hamilton Hall at Columbia University.
The NYPD's mandate to clear the academic building stemmed from anti-Israel protesters unlawfully occupying the premises, defying administrative directives to vacate. Tuesday night witnessed a mass arrest of approximately 300 individuals, comprising both students and non-students, at protests spanning Columbia University and City College, as confirmed by NYPD reports.
