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Thirteen protesters who occupied Hamilton were nonaffiliates, spokesperson says
At least 44 individuals were arrested on Tuesday for occupying Hamilton Hall.
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By Gabriella Gregor Splaver / Senior Staff Photographer“A significant portion of those who broke the law by occupying Hamilton Hall were outsiders,” University spokesperson Ben Chang said in a Thursday press briefing.By Maya Stahl • May 3, 2024 at 12:44 AM
By Maya Stahl • May 3, 2024 at 12:44 AM
Thirteen of the at least 44 demonstrators arrested inside Hamilton Hall during the Tuesday police sweep were nonaffiliates, University spokesperson Ben Chang announced during a Thursday evening press briefing.
The other protesters occupying Hamilton included six students from institutions affiliated with Columbia, 14 undergraduate students, nine graduate students, and two employees of the University, Chang said.
One hundred and nine total individuals were arrested at Columbia for their alleged participation in the occupation of Hamilton Hall and the protests outside of it, Chief John Chell said at a Wednesday press conference.
“The numbers shared by the NYPD regarding arrests reflect the expectations we had regarding the occupation,” Chang said.” “A significant portion of those who broke the law by occupying Hamilton Hall were outsiders.”
At the Wednesday press conference, Mayor Eric Adams defended the decision to sweep Hamilton, stating that “outside agitators were on their grounds training and really co-opting this movement.”
“I know that there are those who are attempting to say, ‘Well, the majority of people may have been students.’ You don’t have to be the majority to influence and co-opt an operation. That is what this is about,” Adams said.
Two days following the mass arrest, Morningside campus access remained limited to essential personnel and Columbia ID holders who live in residence halls within campus. Chang did not announce when the campus may reopen for all affiliates and visitors.
“Again today, media access to campus was suspended, as most access was outside of those who are Columbia ID holders, who reside on Morningside campus, and essential personnel, as a safety measure,” Chang said. “Hamilton Hall continues to be an active crime scene being investigated by the NYPD, and we continue to have safety concerns for campus. We will keep you posted on any changes when it comes to Morningside campus access.”
Deputy News Editor Maya Stahl can be contacted at maya.stahl@columbiaspectator.com. Follow Spectator on X @ColumbiaSpec.
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