“Hostage” Claims Surface Amidst Anti-Israel Protest at Columbia University
A tense standoff unfolded early Tuesday at Columbia University’s Manhattan campus, where anti-Israel demonstrators stormed an academic building and barricaded themselves inside, sparking a hostage-like situation.
The Occupation
At approximately 12:30 a.m., a group of protesters, many of whom wore masks, gained access to Hamilton Hall, an academic building used by the dean. They shattered windows, used tables and chairs to barricade doors, and blacked out the facility’s windows, effectively isolating its occupants.
The escalation came hours after Columbia University administrators began suspending students who refused to leave the protest encampment, which has been in place for weeks.
Hostage Allegations
“They held me hostage,” claimed a facilities worker who was inside the building when the incident began, according to the Columbia Spectator student newspaper. The worker was later allowed to leave.
Standoff and Negotiation
The demonstrators remained barricaded inside Hamilton Hall, with police and university officials outside the building.
The protesters are demanding three concessions from the university: divestment from Israel, increased transparency regarding the groups it supports, and amnesty for students involved in the ongoing protests.
Campus Unrest
The hostage allegations reflect the growing tensions at Columbia University related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. About 120 tents remain on the academic lawn, symbolizing the prolonged protest.
In response to the escalation, Columbia University has set a deadline of 2 p.m. Monday for students to leave the encampment. The situation is being closely monitored as further developments are expected.
Image Captions
A group of Columbia University students formed a human chain outside Hamilton Hall amid continued unrest on campus.
Members of an anti-Israel mob broke into Hamilton Hall early Tuesday morning.
Students supporting Palestinians in Gaza barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall on April 30, 2024, in New York City.
A member of the maintenance crew confronted the protesters after he claimed he was held hostage inside Hamilton Hall on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in New York City.
The maintenance worker was ultimately allowed to leave Hamilton Hall.
Anti-Israel protesters used furniture to barricade doors of Hamilton Hall on April 30, 2024.
Demonstrators barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall on April 30, 2024, in New York City.
