80 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during Columbia University library takeover.

Eighty pro-Palestinian protesters were apprehended at Columbia University on May 7, 2025, following a demonstration that resulted in over 100 activists occupying Butler Library during a crucial examination period. According to law enforcement officials, the group of masked individuals forced their way into the library, prompting the intervention of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) at the authorization of Columbia’s Acting President Claire Shipman.

The incident unfolded shortly after 3 p.m., with video footage circulating on social media depicting protesters breaching security protocols at the library’s entrance. Columbia officials later reported that many of those detained were not students at the university and were considered trespassers on campus premises. This disruption to academic activities has raised concerns about public safety amid a pressing finals schedule for currently enrolled students.

In a statement addressing the unrest, Shipman emphasized the necessity of calling in the NYPD due to the significant number of demonstrators. She noted that two security officers sustained injuries during the confrontation and asserted that such disruptions are unacceptable, particularly when they interfere with students’ preparations for final examinations. The university, while prioritizing the safety of its community, affirmed that these types of actions violate established policies.

Federal authorities are currently reviewing the visa status of those taken into custody, as highlighted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who characterized the actions of the protesters as unacceptable. He referred to the demonstrators as “pro-Hamas thugs” and made a broader appeal for scrutiny regarding their immigration statuses.

The protest was organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a prominent campus group that has continually advocated for Palestinian rights. The group expressed satisfaction with their disruption, citing past attempts to support similar demonstrations were thwarted by heightened surveillance and security measures on campus.

In response to the protest, New York City Mayor Eric Adams publicly urged parents to communicate with their children attending Columbia University, characterizing the library occupation as an inappropriate form of activism for a college environment. He indicated that discussions are ongoing with university officials regarding the incident.

Columbia University’s final examinations are set to commence on Friday, with the institution grappling with the implications of the recent protests on its academic calendar and student well-being.