Students heckle Columbia acting president at graduation, shout 'Free Mahmoud'
Share this @internewscast.com

During Columbia University’s graduation ceremony in New York City on Tuesday morning, students interrupted by shouting, “Free Mahmoud!” as Acting University President Claire Shipman was speaking.

Shipman was immediately met with boos when she stepped up to the podium to speak during the Columbia College Class Day ceremony.

As Shipman attempted to address the gathering, she was met with continued heckling from the crowd. She intended to highlight the challenges and changes the class had endured, noting their resilience.

Despite interruptions, Shipman remarked, “You’ve shown remarkable adaptability and resilience during rapidly changing times, demonstrating deep care for the world and its people,” persisting through repeated disruptions to her speech.

Anti-Semitic protesters occupy a building on the campus of Columbia University

A mob of protesters showed up at the library as students were studying for finals, reportedly to rally support for Khalil. They also continued to demand the university divest from Israel. (Sam Nahins)

Columbia’s acting president said at the time that she went to the library “as the events were unfolding” and was disappointed with what she saw, including one Columbia public safety officer being wheeled out on a gurney and another being treated for injuries.

Shipman also said the reading room at the library was “defaced and damaged in disturbing ways and with disturbing slogans.”

“Violence and vandalism, hijacking a library—none of that has any place on our campus. These aren’t Columbia’s values,” she said.

Shipman, who took over in March following the resignation of the former president and the stepping down of the subsequent interim president, said this behavior will not be tolerated at Columbia.

Tuesday’s heckling also comes a day after Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi was allowed to walk across a graduation stage and receive his degree from the Ivy League school.

The 34-year-old activist, draped in a keffiyeh, smiled as he took the stage.

Court documents show Mahdawi was investigated twice in 2015 and 2016 for disturbing and antisemitic comments. In the documents, police allege that Mahdawi told a man, “I like to kill Jews.” In another incident, police allege he said he “used to build modified 9mm submachine guns to kill Jews while he was in Palestine.”

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Spencer Pratt blasts LA's $40M MacArthur Park plan

Spencer Pratt Criticizes LA’s $40M Investment in MacArthur Park Redevelopment

Amidst plans to inject $40 million into revitalizing Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park,…
Grinning suspect cuffed after alleged fiery street takeover, drag race caught on camera

Grinning Suspect Arrested Following Fiery Street Takeover and Drag Race Caught on Camera

An alleged accomplice in a chaotic drag-racing event was led from his…
Activists erupt as rescued ducks are sold off like cheap chicken

Activists Rally Against Sale of Rescued Ducks, Equating Treatment to Low-Grade Poultry

A mass surrender of ducks in Southern California has sparked controversy after…
Eerie photos of abandoned Chernobyl plant show lights still glowing on nuclear control panel

Chilling Images Reveal Lights Still Shining in Abandoned Chernobyl Control Room

It’s like stepping into a time capsule. Haunting images of the notorious…
Mexican Mafia turned American neighborhoods into ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ with murders, kidnappings, drugs: feds

Federal Authorities Report Mexican Mafia’s Role in Transforming U.S. Neighborhoods with Crime and Drugs

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, federal authorities announced Thursday the…
Ilhan Omar husband’s California winery closes its doors amid scrutiny of congresswoman’s family finances

California Winery Owned by Ilhan Omar’s Husband Shuts Down Amid Financial Scrutiny

A California winery, co-owned by Tim Mynett, the husband of Democratic Representative…
Every look Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep wore during the 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' press tour

Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep’s Iconic Fashion Moments Steal the Spotlight on ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Press Tour

Two decades after “The Devil Wears Prada” captivated audiences, Meryl Streep, Anne…
Man confesses to dismembering father, stuffing remains in suitcases as DNA finally solves cold case: police

DNA Breakthrough Solves Decades-Old Cold Case: Man Admits to Dismembering Father and Hiding Remains in Suitcases

Recent advancements in DNA technology have shed light on a decades-old mystery…
2026 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with 25th overall pick in Round 1

Chicago Bears Make Strategic Move: Draft Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman as 25th Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

In an exciting turn of events during the 2026 NFL Draft on…
Australian tourist trapped waist-deep in sewage after outback toilet collapses

Australian Traveler Rescued from Unusual Outback Toilet Mishap

In an unexpected and unpleasant twist during a family road trip through…
Rob and Michele Singer Reiner deaths: Son Jake speaks out about deaths of his parents for first time

Jake Reiner Breaks Silence on the Heartbreaking Loss of Parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner

LOS ANGELES — Jake Reiner, the eldest child of acclaimed filmmaker Rob…
Archaeologists make 'remarkable' discovery from bloodiest battle in Scottish history after nearly 280 years

Unveiling History: Stunning Archaeological Find from Scotland’s Bloodiest Battle After 280 Years

In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an unexploded mortar shell from…