Dozens of anti-Israel Protested arrested after storming Columbia University library during finals -

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8 May, New York

Dozens of anti-Israel protesters were arrested after storming and occupying Columbia University’s Butler Library during final exams.

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Protests at Columbia University broke out Tuesday night when dozens of anti-Israel demonstrators were arrested after taking over and occupying the elite Butler Library during final exam week. The dramatic takeover, which was planned by the student organization Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), was condemned immediately by university officials and resulted in a heavy-handed law enforcement reaction.

Masked and dressed in keffiyehs, the demonstrators broke into a reading area of Butler Library, unfurled Palestinian flags and banners, and proclaimed the area a “liberated zone” in memory of Palestinian writer and activist Basel Al-Araj, who was killed by Israeli forces.

The incident was part of ongoing pro-Palestinian protests demanding Columbia divest from companies tied to Israel, as the war in Gaza continues to ignite outcry and campus disturbances.

Within the library, students preparing for finals were said to have been displaced or disrupted by the occupation. University officials verified that property within the building was damaged, including walls that were vandalized with graffiti. Two campus public safety officers were hurt during the standoff.

Columbia’s interim president, Claire Shipma, made a forceful statement, deeming the library seizure “an outrageous abuse of our academic setting.” Shipman reported that protesters had been given numerous warnings to vacate the premises before the university requested intervention from the New York Police Department.

“The disrespect of university policy and concern for the well-being of our students will not be acceptable,” she said.

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NYPD police officers in riot gear made their way into the library late Tuesday evening and took about 80 people into custody. Police later announced that all of the arrested individuals would be charged with trespassing and criminal mischief. Some could also risk disciplinary action from the university, such as suspension or expulsion.

The federal government has responded in turn. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the move and stated that the visa status of non-citizen participants would be under review. “We will not stand idly by while pro-Hamas agitators hide behind student visas for antisemitic activities,” Rubio stated.

This latest episode comes after a month of growing campus protests about the Israel-Hamas war. Columbia had already faced federal scrutiny and lost $400 million in funding when the Trump administration accused the institution of not protecting Jewish students from harassment.

Though CUAD has justified its protest as an act of resistance against genocide, others have criticized it for crossing the line by interfering with academic life and intimidating other students.

The university is still on high alert as finals persist.

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