Dozens of anti-Israel agitators arrested after storming, taking over Columbia University library during finals
Share this @internewscast.com

Just hours after over 100 masked individuals protesting against Israel forced their way into Columbia University’s Butler Library in New York City, bypassing campus security as students were studying for final exams, university officials called in the New York Police Department (NYPD) to help manage the situation.

At least 30 people have been arrested with more expected, NYPD sources told Fox News. 

Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was observing the events, with plans to fingerprint any arrested individuals to check for non-citizen status, according to information obtained by Fox News.

“Time to make a point,” one ICE source told Fox News. 

Non-protesting students told Fox News that they were forced to stop studying for finals and leave the library.

Columbia University emphasized its commitment to free expression and the right to protest but noted that these actions must align with university rules and policies to ensure safety and allow academic and other campus activities to proceed without disruption.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik stepped down after months of criticism of her handling of the protests, many of which devolved into clashes between anti-Israel demonstrators and police, and antisemitism on campus. 

Columbia has come under intense scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus, with Trump canceling $400 million in grants to the university in March. 

That led to Columbia caving to certain demands in an attempt to restore funding.

Tuesday’s protests came as Columbia announced that it may lay off 180 staff members following the Trump administration’s announcement in March that it had canceled $400 million in federal grants over the school’s “failure to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment.” 

“Across the research portfolio we have had to make difficult choices and unfortunately, today, nearly 180 of our colleagues who have been working, in whole or in part, on impacted federal grants, will receive notices of non-renewal or termination,” Shipman said. “This represents about 20% of the individuals who are funded in some manner by the terminated grant.”

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., chair of the House GOP, criticized Democrats calling for investigations into universities where anti-Israel protests have sprung up. 

We don’t need to do an investigation. We know what the problem is,” she said. “They have laws and they don’t follow them. Columbia is a prime example of what happens when there are no consequences to one’s actions.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., praised Trump for withholding funds from the school amid a rise in antisemitism. 

“While Columbia students try to study for finals, they’re being bombarded with chants for a “global intifada,” she wrote on X. “President @realDonaldTrump is right: not a single taxpayer dollar should go to a university that allows chaos, antisemitism, and civil rights violations on its campus. Columbia must act—enough is enough.”

Fox News’ Sandy Ibrahim and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' turns 50: cult classic will be back in theaters and released on Blu-ray in 4K Ultra HD

First Look: ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Season 3 Premiere Date Revealed on Hulu with Exclusive Images from Onyx Collective

Court is in session! Onyx Collective’s acclaimed legal series “Reasonable Doubt” is…
Ozzy Osbourne's last live performance featured reunion with Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Live Show Includes Black Sabbath Reunion

The 76-year-old heavy metal icon sang from a black throne and reunited…
How to prepare your pets for when a hurricane makes it rain cats and dogs

Preparing Your Pets for a Hurricane: Essential Tips for Stormy Weather

HOUSTON (AP) — Preparing for a hurricane involves ensuring that your entire…
Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

Texas Officer Shot Near ICE Facility Amid Trump’s Zero Tolerance Policy

In response to a Texas police officer being shot outside a U.S.…
Car engulfed in flames near a building.

Explosion Rocks Domino’s Store in Utah After Collision with SUV, Leaving Three Injured

THIS is the shocking moment a three-car pile-up caused a burning SUV…
Father’s pursuit for missing daughter heats up with new evidence in case that’s no longer cold

Dad’s Hunt for Missing Daughter Gains Momentum with Fresh Clues in Revived Case

Almost 20 years after a Florida woman disappeared without a trace from…
Biden's Slurring Juneteenth Remarks Can't Make the Dems Happy

Essex Files: Joe Biden Highlights Global Disconnect Dating Back to 1945

President Joe Biden wants to convey something crucial: European leaders are reaching…
Crowded beach in Magaluf, Mallorca, with hotels in the background.

22-Year-Old Brit Hospitalized After Boat Accident in Magaluf Following Night Out with Friends

A BRIT holidaymaker has been rushed to hospital “seriously injured” after falling…
Visitor feared to have lost arm in lion zoo attack

Visitor Suspected of Losing Arm in Lion Attack at Zoo

A woman in her 50s is believed to have lost an arm…
American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

U.S. Citizen Claiming CIA Ties and Armed with Multiple Weapons Arrested in Mexico

An American national with credentials that read “CIA” has been arrested in…
Chicago shooting: 16-year-old Meeyah Smith killed in Avalon Park worked with 'Englewood First Responders,' friends say; man hurt

16-Year-Old Meeyah Smith, Englewood First Responders Member, Fatally Shot in Chicago’s Avalon Park; Man Injured

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 16-year-old girl who was killed in shooting Friday…
Camp Mystic camper dies in devastating flooding, family confirms

Family Confirms Tragic Loss of Camp Mystic Camper Due to Severe Flooding

Author: Sammy Turner, Amanda Henderson, KHOU 11 Staff, KENS 5…