'Pro-Hamas Thugs Are No Longer Welcome', Says US Secretary Of State Rubio After NYPD Arrest Over 70 Protesters At Columbia University

Over 70 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested by New York Police on Wednesday (7 May) after they stormed Columbia University’s Butler Library, disrupting academic activities and attempting to convert the space into a so-called “Liberated Zone.”

The protest saw masked individuals chanting slogans and waving banners reading “Strike For Gaza.”

Videos from the scene showed them standing on tables and occupying the library just as students were preparing for final exams.

Columbia University President Claire Shipman condemned the takeover, calling the actions “outrageous,” and confirmed that two university security officers were injured when protesters forced their way into the building. 

The university formally requested police intervention, following which the NYPD detained several demonstrators, loading them into vans with their hands zip-tied.

According to a spectator, around 70 individuals were ultimately detained.

In a post on X, the NYPD confirmed, “At the direct request of Columbia University, the NYPD is responding to an ongoing situation on campus where individuals have occupied a library and are trespassing.”

President Shipman emphasised that the disruption was “completely unacceptable” as it interfered with students' right to study in peace during the crucial exam period.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that authorities are “reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals" who took over Columbia University’s library.

"Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation (US),” Rubio added.

It’s worth noting that US President Donald Trump had earlier slammed Columbia University over similar protests, calling them anti-Semitic and accusing the institution of failing to safeguard Jewish students.

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