Universities crack down on anti-Israel agitators as protesters call for 'amnesty'
Universities across the U.S. are cracking down on anti-Israel protesters who have taken over their campuses this week. The protesters demand that colleges divest themselves from companies connected to Israel. This week has seen dozens of arrests at Columbia, Yale and elsewhere.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Los Angeles police arrive at UCLA in riot gear
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Los Angeles police have arrived at UCLA to gain control of campus after hours of chaos between anti-Israel protesters and pro-Israel counterprotesters.
"The violence unfolding this evening at UCLA is absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable," Bass wrote on X at 1:47 a.m. local time. "LAPD has arrived on campus."
The Associated Press reported the officers are wearing riot gear.
Students arrested, suspended at Tulane University as anti-Israel protests continue
Tulane University announced arrests have been made and students have been suspended as "unlawful" anti-Israel protests continue on the New Orleans campus.
In a letter to the community late Tuesday night, President Michael Fitts said there have been six arrests made and seven suspensions issued to students who "participated in this unlawful demonstration." There is an additional suspension pending.
Fitts added that the university is also investigating reports of employees participating in the demonstrations.
"We value free speech and have supported numerous lawful demonstrations throughout this year. But we remain opposed to trespassing, hate speech, antisemitism and bias against religious or ethnic groups. Harassment, intimidation, violence, and other criminal acts on any of our campuses will not be tolerated," he wrote.
Out of concerns for safety, Fitts said classes in Gibson, Tilton-Memorial and Dinwiddie halls will be remote on Wednesday. Classes and operations elsewhere on campus will continue as normal.
The lawn in front of Gibson Hall, on the St. Charles Avenue side, and parking in Cowen Circle are closed to all students, faculty and staff until further notice.
"The overwhelming majority of these protestors are unaffiliated with Tulane," Fitts wrote. "Security remains at its highest level throughout the university."
Police disperse gas, clash with protesters, start making arrests at University of Arizona
As anti-Israel protests continue at the University of Arizona, police clashed with demonstrators and began making arrests.
Police also fired rubber bullets and dispersed a type of gas at the encampment on campus, according to Tucson.com.
This comes shortly after university president Robert C. Robbins said in a statement that he directed university officials, campus police, Tucson Police and the Pima County Sheriff's Office to "immediately enforce campus use policies and all corresponding laws without further warning."
"The University will continue to act in the best interests of our students, faculty and staff to ensure their safety," the statement added.
State troopers were seen on campus with pepper ball guns and gas masks.
Demonstrators were initially given a 10:30 p.m. deadline to leave or face arrest, although arrests did not begin until much later.
Los Angeles councilwoman says UCLA campus is 'out of control,' 'no longer safe'
Los Angeles city councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky spoke out on the violent demonstrations taking place at UCLA Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning shortly after Mayor Karen Bass' office announced Los Angeles police are responding to campus.
Yaroslavsky, who represents Los Angeles City Council District 5, said the clashes between anti-Israel protesters and pro-Israel counterprotesters are out of control and have created an unsafe campus.
"Everyone has a right to free speech and protest, but the situation on UCLA’s campus is out of control and is no longer safe. I’m grateful to LAPD and Mayor Bass for stepping in to ensure the safety of everyone on campus," Yaroslavsky wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
NYPD removes Palestinian flag, reraises American flag at CCNY campus after anti-Israel protest
Officers with the New York City Police Department restored the American flag on the City College of New York campus after it was replaced with a Palestinian flag by anti-Israel agitators during a protest.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry applauded the move on X, formerly Twitter, at around 12:39 a.m. Wednesday – not long after officers gained control of the campus.
"An incredible scene and proud moment as we have assisted @CityCollegeNY in restoring order on campus, culminating in raising Old Glory once again on their campus flagpole," Daughtry wrote on X.
This is an excerpt from a report by Fox News Digital editor Elizabeth Pritchett.
LAPD responding to UCLA protests more than two hours after escalating demonstrations
After more than two hours of clashing protests between anti-Israel protester and pro-Israel counterprotesters at the University of California Los Angeles, police are responding to campus to gain control of the escalating demonstrations.
A statement from the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass at around 1 a.m. local time said: “The Mayor has spoken to Chancellor Block and Chief Choi. LAPD is responding immediately to Chancellor Block’s request for support on campus.”
It is unclear why the Los Angeles Police Department is just now sending officers to UCLA, which is a public institution, but Fox News reported the department is preparing a 'multi-agency operation' to secure campus.
Police absent at UCLA as violence on campus begins reaching boiling point
Local and state police were noticeably absent from UCLA's campus overnight as violence ensued between anti-Israel protesters and pro-Israel counter-protesters.
Dozens of pro-Israeli counter-protestors arrived around 10:45 p.m. and attempted to dismantle parts of the anti-Israel encampment before deploying fireworks and what appeared to be pepper spray, KTLA reported.
Items were thrown and fights broke out during the violence.
University campus police, along with some medical personnel, showed up at the scene briefly before leaving.
University of Arizona demonstrators 'officially under arrest,' police say
Police told protesters at the University of Arizona shortly before midnight local time that they were "officially under arrest."
This, as dozens of SWAT and police officers in riot gear responded to the encampment on the university's campus, according to Tucson.com.
Protesters were observed throwing items at police and SWAT officers, who arrived at the encampment with guns carrying pepper balls, the outlet reported.
A pro-Israel student screamed to protesters about to be arrested not to "drop the soap," a reference to sexual assault in prisons.
CUNY says police were called to City College over 'repeated acts of violence,' 25 arrested
The City University of New York (CUNY) said Tuesday morning that calling in the NYPD to respond to anti-Israel protests at City College (CCNY) was because of "specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism" and not peaceful protests.
"Students have a right to demonstrate peacefully and exercise their First Amendment rights," the statement said. "Tuesday night's actions were taken in response to specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism, not in response to peaceful protest. CUNY will continue working to keep our community free from violence, intimidation and harassment."
CUNY said it is committed to "maintaining a safe environment for students, faculty and the entire City College campus community, which also includes two public high schools and a daycare center."
"Over the past six days, a series of violent incidents occurred at CCNY that put public safety at risk," CUNY said in its statement. "This includes a fire Sunday night at the Marshak Science Building caused by use of a flare gun that brought FDNY to campus, clashes with public safety and, Tuesday night, an attempted break-in at Shepard Hall and a break-in at the Administration Building that included the vandalizing of offices and smashing glass doors."
Early Tuesday evening, a large group of demonstrators marched from Columbia University to the City College campus, according to the statement. CUNY public safety handled the initial response and arrested 25 people.
But as the crowd size grew, CUNY and CCNY leadership called the NYPD for assistance. Officers entered the campus at about 11:45 p.m. and arrested several people.
Violence ensues at UCLA encampment as objects thrown, pepper spray deployed
Violence broke out at an anti-Israel demonstration at UCLA overnight, including fights, items thrown and pepper spray being deployed.
A demonstrator shot off a can of pepper spray and objects were thrown during the protest, Fox 11 reported. A police expert told the outlet that "professional agitators" appeared to be on the scene.
Fireworks were also among the items thrown during the protest.
Police arrived on campus to respond to the violence.
University of Arizona protesters threatened with arrest if they refuse to leave encampment
Anti-Israel demonstrators at the University of Arizona were ordered to leave the encampment on campus immediately or face arrest for trespassing or other violations of state law.
The protesters were given a deadline of 10:30 p.m. local time to leave the area. And at 10:30 p.m., they were warned of possible arrest, Tucson.com reported.
SWAT trucks and dozens of police officers and first responders were observed by Centennial Hall.
There have been no arrests thus far, even after the deadline has passed. Police are giving demonstrators a final opportunity to leave as they attempt to negotiate with demonstrators, who continue to stand firm.
Shortly before the deadline, protest organizers were handing out supplies to use in preparation for potential pepper spray or tear gas used by police.
"Help us build our barricade. Help us be ready to combat the police," an organizer said earlier into a megaphone, about an hour and a half before the deadline.
Trump condemns anti-Israel mob as NYPD moves in, dings Dems: 'Where is Schumer?'
Former President Trump condemned the anti-Israel throngs at Columbia University Tuesday as they began to feel the power of the NYPD after the department received permission from administrators to move in on the demonstrations and made arrests.
Trump also took umbrage at certain Jewish politicians who he said have not been at the forefront of joining him in condemnation of the protests and threats against Jews on campus.
"I'm watching Jewish politicians abandon Israel — I've seen it, you've seen it," he told Fox News host Sean Hannity.
"Where is Schumer? Why isn't Schumer speaking up? He was always out there in front — because he's looking at votes, I guess. And I guess he's looking at maybe more votes than [those that] represent Israel," Trump said of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Fox News Digital reporter Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
FIRE free speech expert says occupying buildings, vandalism 'not protected' by First Amendment
A free speech expert from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) said while peaceful protests on college campuses must be supported, some behaviors by demonstrators at Columbia University in New York in recent days are not covered by the First Amendment.
Alex Morey, who leads FIRE’s Campus Rights Advocacy program, made the comments in response to anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University, who in the past day have occupied a campus building and prevented a facility worker from leaving, broken windows and blocked students from attending classes.
"Occupying a campus building, blocking students from attending classes, and vandalizing property is not protected by the First Amendment," Morey said in a statement. "Peaceful protest has long been a mainstay on college campuses and it must be supported. What’s happened at Columbia in the last 24 hours is not peaceful protest."
Police arresting protesters at City College in New York, classes moved online
New York City Police officers began arresting anti-Israel protesters at City College, and campus operations were moved online until further notice.
Demonstrators protested the police closing down the Hamilton Heights campus overnight. Protesters at one of the college's entrance gates ignited flares, bright red and smoky in response to the police clearing out an encampment that had been on campus for days, as well as the closing of the school's campus, according to ABC 7.
Hundreds of officers were seen on campus to address the demonstrations.
People are allowed to leave campus but may not return.
In an emergency message, City College President Vince Boudreau told the college's cohmmunity that all campus operations would be online until further notice, beginning Wednesday.
"Given the situation, we are moving all Wednesday classes and work to remote, remaining remote until conditions permit a return to normal business operations," Boudreau said. "We are also urging all members of our community to stay away from campus."
Cal Poly Humboldt Cleanup and Recovery Continues
California Polytechnic State University at Humboldt continues its cleanup and recovery process following the illegal occupation of two campus buildings and surrounding areas since Monday, April 22, the university said Tuesday evening.
"Facilities teams are working to clear Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East of garbage, and are beginning to paint over graffiti on the exterior of vandalized buildings as University Police continue to assess the scope of the damage," the university said in a statement.
The university confirmed that its campus police have arrested 32 individuals since the early morning operation by law enforcement. Of those, 13 are students, one is a faculty member, and 18 are not students there.
The operation was conducted without incident and no reported injuries, and the university continues the hard closure of campus through May 10. The university will hold a modified in-person commencement with local ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
House Speaker Mike Johnson says president is in hiding over chaos at Columbia University
As the NYPD raided Columbia University on Tuesday evening after hundreds of students took over Hamilton hall on campus after weeks of unrest, House Speaker Mike Johnson says President Biden is hiding out and avoiding his responsibilities.
"Amid the absolute chaos at Columbia University, Joe Biden is absent because he is afraid to face the issue," Johnson wrote in a post on X. "Meanwhile, House Republicans are leading the effort to investigate these institutions for their failure to protect Jewish students and maintain order on campus."
NYPD used at least 4 distraction devices as officers worked to clear Hamilton Hall at Columbia
Fox News confirmed Tuesday night that NYPD officers used at least four distraction devices to clear Hamilton Hall at Columbia University of anti-Israel agitators.
Distraction devices used by police are typically light-sound devices like flashbangs. Some consist of a powder charge in a canister.
Student radio station WKCR previously reported that tear gas had been deployed on protesters, but Fox News has learned that tear gas was not used.
Columbia student group says they 'will not rest' amid NYPD raid
The Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine shared video on X of NYPD raiding the campus amid weeks of unrest and claim it will not stop them. "University from the vantage point of John Jay, where students and press have been BARRICADED INTO THE BUILDING. DISCLOSE, DIVEST, WE WILL NOT STOP WE WILL NOT REST," the group wrote.
Trump reacts to NYPD operation at Columbia University: 'It should have never gotten to this'
Former President Trump told Sean Hannity Tuesday night Biden has to "strengthen up and he's gotta be heard" when it comes to campus protests.
As arrests were being made on Columbia's campus, Trump also commented on the possibility that most of the "protesters" are professional.
"Well I really think you have paid agitators here, Trump told Hannity. "These are all signs that are identical made by the same printer."
Trump also said Columbia University should have called in the police sooner.
"It should have never gotten to this," the GOP frontrunner said. "They should have done it a lot sooner before they took over the building."
Protestors are led out of Columbia University in zip-tie handcuffs
Video captured for Fox News Digital showed NYPD officers arresting anti-Israel protesters off the campus of Columbia University in zip-tie handcuffs Tuesday night.
At least three protesters were seen being walked off campus by officers.
The protesters were being brought onto 114th St, between Columbus and Amsterdam where large NYPD buses were waiting.
This comes as NYPD officers began working to clear Hamilton Hall on campus.
The building was occupied by protesters Tuesday.
"We believe that the group that broke into and occupied the building is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University," the school said in a statement Tuesday night.