Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash with Police at White House and Columbia University

Pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to breach White House security fencing and threw objects at police after a large march in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of non-essential staff. The protesters were demonstrating against Israeli military action in Gaza and demanding that Columbia University divest from companies they claim "profit from Israeli apartheid."

At Columbia University in New York, at least 30 people were detained by police as they dispersed a pro-Palestinian protest that began when the university's president testified before a House committee about the school's response to antisemitism. The protesters, including students and faculty, had set up tents and signs on campus, leading to clashes with police. Four people were arrested overnight during the protests.

The university president authorized the NYPD to break up the encampment, citing concerns for campus safety. Video footage showed NYPD officers clashing with protesters outside the university on Thursday morning. More than 100 demonstrators were arrested and charged with trespassing, with two also charged with obstructing government administration.

Why this matters: The protests highlight growing tensions in the U.S. over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of universities. Public anger is mounting as intellectuals and public figures condemn the harsh actions taken against the protesting students.

Campus Protest: The protesters reorganized on campus shortly after the arrests, chanting "Shame" and demanding "full amnesty for all students disciplined for their involvement in the encampment or the movement for Palestinian liberation." Protest organizers decried the university's actions. "The university had warned protesters they would be suspended if the protest encampment was not removed," said one organizer. One arrested student was denied access to their dorm to retrieve medication, leading to them going into shock.

Columbia Arrests: The arrests at Columbia University came a day after the university's president, Minouche Shafik, testified before Congress and made concessions to Republican demands, including removing some pro-Palestinian faculty and staff. The incident underscores the tensions between universities, student activists, and the politically empowered far-right in the U.S. over issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, the protests serve as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and impassioned views surrounding this complex geopolitical issue.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police near White House, prompting evacuation.
• Over 30 protesters detained at Columbia University protest against Israeli actions in Gaza.
• Columbia University president authorized NYPD to break up protest encampment, citing safety.
• Over 100 protesters arrested, charged with trespassing and obstructing government.
• Tensions highlight divisions over Israeli-Palestinian conflict and role of universities.