Masked Protesters Storm Columbia University Library Amid Rising Campus Tensions
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- May 8
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: The reporting emphasizes law enforcement actions, campus security, property damage, and protestor ties to extremist figures, aligning with perspectives critical of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses.
Incident Overview
On May 7, 2025, approximately 80 masked individuals forcibly entered Columbia University's Butler Library as part of a pro-Palestinian protest. The group, identifying itself as Unity of Fields (previously known as Palestine Action US), declared the library a “liberated zone.”
Their action disrupted students preparing for final exams and involved chanting, drumming, and the display of pro-Palestinian banners. The NYPD responded and arrested all participants after about five hours of occupation.
Actions and Materials
During the occupation, the protesters distributed pamphlets that praised Bassel al-Araj, a controversial Palestinian figure accused of terrorism, referring to him as a “militant intellectual.” Protesters were seen defacing library walls with spray paint, draping Palestinian flags over desks and furniture, and chanting slogans in unison. Two campus security officers were injured while trying to prevent the intrusion. University property was also damaged during the occupation.
Official Responses
Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, issued a firm statement condemning the disruption, reaffirming the university’s commitment to student safety and academic continuity. New York City Mayor
Eric Adams warned protestors against engaging in illegal actions, saying lawlessness would not be tolerated.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the incident by announcing a review of the visa statuses of foreign students involved, calling the protesters “pro-Hamas thugs.”
Broader Context
The incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions on Columbia’s campus over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Columbia has come under federal scrutiny for failing to adequately address antisemitic incidents on campus.
As part of ongoing pressure from the Trump administration, the university is at risk of losing nearly $400 million in federal funding unless significant reforms are implemented. University officials have committed to reviewing campus security policies and disciplinary actions.
Related Developments
Harvard Funding Revoked: The Trump administration has revoked $2.2 billion in federal funds from Harvard University, citing the school’s failure to combat antisemitism and discrimination.
Other Campus Incidents: Similar pro-Palestinian protests have erupted at multiple universities. At the University of Washington, 30 individuals were arrested after occupying a building and setting fires.
Criminal Charges in NYC: A 20-year-old man named Tarek Bazrouk was arrested for a series of alleged antisemitic attacks during recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations across New York City.
The occupation of Columbia's library underscores the intensifying divide on U.S. campuses amid international conflict. With growing political pressure and federal oversight, universities may face increasing consequences for how they handle campus activism and safety.
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