Columbia University protests: NYPD arrests over 100 students while dispersing occupation

Columbia University played host to a historic moment Thursday afternoon as the NYPD arrested scores of students on the campus’ great lawn, making it the first time people were placed in cuffs on the grounds since 1968.

Cops in riot gear led by Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Chief of Patrol John Chell, and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry descended upon the encampment. Thousands looked on in fury and hostility, booing and chanting, “No pigs on campus.”

Police moved in, using zip-ties to bond the wrists of those who had been dug in for well over 24 hours. Led away in bonds, spectators met them as heroes with resounding applause while jeering cops and chanting “Shame!”

Students were marched out to awaiting buses lined up on 114th Street between Amsterdam and Broadway.

While an exact number of those taken into custody has not yet been established, it appears to be at least 100 individuals, according to reports. Several of the protest organizers were also suspended from the university, and had their school IDs revoked.

The camp had been pitched during the early hours of Wednesday. The young demonstrators said they planned to remain until the institution divests in partners who support Israel.

Thursday’s arrests also were historic for being the first time the NYPD cuffed student protesters en masse since April 30, 1968, when over 1,000 police officers were called in to end a demonstration over a strike on campus grounds, resulting in 712 arrested and 148 injured during the violent cuffing.