According to Mayor Eric Adams, around 300 people were arrested as police responded to pro-Palestine protests at Columbia and the neighboring City College of New York. The NYPD's most recent figure shows 282 arrests, with 109 at Columbia and 173 at City College. It is unknown how many of the arrests included kids.&nbsp;

Columbia University called in the NYPD on Tuesday (Apr 30) to evacuate protesters off campus, nearly two weeks after they set up a pro-Palestinian encampment on the institution's main lawn.

"There is a movement to radicalise young people, and I'm not going to wait until it's done and all of a sudden acknowledge the existence of it," Adams said Wednesday, as he continued to blame "outside agitators" for escalating the situation.

"This is a global problem that young people are being influenced by those who are professionals at radicalising our children," Mayor Eric Adams said.

"We're proud to say they have been removed from the campus. While those who broke into the building did include students, they were led by people who were not affiliated with the university," Adams added.

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BREAKING: NYC Mayor, Eric Adams says about 300 people were arrested in police crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and City College. 
 
Adams asserts that "outside instigators" have penetrated NYC college campuses to radicalize students, being responsible… <a href="https://t.co/sR9Bmhqq5f">pic.twitter.com/sR9Bmhqq5f</a>
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImMeme0/status/1785690439649026497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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During a Wednesday press conference, the mayor pulled out a letter from Columbia officials requesting assistance.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidzxL0nvZjqbPi" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/new-york-police-enter-columbia-building-barricaded-by-students-as-protests-716835" target="_blank">NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested</a>

"The events on campus last night have left us no choice. With the support of the University's Trustees, I have determined that the building occupation, the encampments, and related disruptions pose a clear and present danger to persons, property, and the substantial functioning of the University and require the use of emergency authority to protect persons and property," the letter read.

"With the utmost regret, we request the NYPD's help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments," the letter added.

Columbia University President Dr Minouche Shafik also issued a fresh statement Wednesday morning following the police raid.

"I know I speak for many members of our community in saying that this turn of events has filled me with deep sadness. I am sorry we reached this point," Shafik's statement said.

She stated that she contacted the NYPD because her primary concern was her safety.

"But students and outside activists breaking Hamilton Hall doors, mistreating our Public Safety officers and maintenance staff, and damaging property are acts of destruction, not political speech," Shafik added.

The arrests by the NYPD followed the occupation of Hamilton Hall on Tuesday (Apr 30) by Columbia University student protesters, who renamed it "Hind Hall" in remembrance of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old casualty in Gaza. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to Mayor Eric Adams, around 300 people were arrested as police responded to pro-Palestine protests at Columbia and the neighboring City College of New York.

According to Mayor Eric Adams, around 300 people were arrested as police responded to pro-Palestine protests at Columbia and the neighboring City College of New York. The NYPD's most recent figure shows 282 arrests, with 109 at Columbia and 173 at City College. It is unknown how many of the arrests included kids. Columbia University called in the NYPD on Tuesday (Apr 30) to evacuate protesters off campus, nearly two weeks after they set up a pro-Palestinian encampment on the institution's main lawn. "There is a movement to radicalise young people, and I'm not going to wait until it's done and all of a sudden acknowledge the existence of it," Adams said Wednesday, as he continued to blame "outside agitators" for escalating the situation. "This is a global problem that young people are being influenced by those who are professionals at radicalising our children," Mayor Eric Adams said. "We're proud to say they have been removed from the campus. While those who broke into the building did include students, they were led by people who were not affiliated with the university," Adams added. BREAKING: NYC Mayor, Eric Adams says about 300 people were arrested in police crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and City College. Adams asserts that "outside instigators" have penetrated NYC college campuses to radicalize students, being responsible… pic.twitter.com/sR9Bmhqq5f — I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) May 1, 2024 × During a Wednesday press conference, the mayor pulled out a letter from Columbia officials requesting assistance. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested "The events on campus last night have left us no choice. With the support of the University's Trustees, I have determined that the building occupation, the encampments, and related disruptions pose a clear and present danger to persons, property, and the substantial functioning of the University and require the use of emergency authority to protect persons and property," the letter read. "With the utmost regret, we request the NYPD's help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments," the letter added. Columbia University President Dr Minouche Shafik also issued a fresh statement Wednesday morning following the police raid. "I know I speak for many members of our community in saying that this turn of events has filled me with deep sadness. I am sorry we reached this point," Shafik's statement said. She stated that she contacted the NYPD because her primary concern was her safety. "But students and outside activists breaking Hamilton Hall doors, mistreating our Public Safety officers and maintenance staff, and damaging property are acts of destruction, not political speech," Shafik added. The arrests by the NYPD followed the occupation of Hamilton Hall on Tuesday (Apr 30) by Columbia University student protesters, who renamed it "Hind Hall" in remembrance of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old casualty in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

New York Mayor Eric Adams blames 'outside agitators' for campus protests leading to 300 arrests

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have seized New York Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones, said his campaign lawyer on Friday (November 10). This is being seen as an escalation of an investigation into fundraising for the campaign. The investigation pertains to suspected corruption and whether Adams' 2021 campaign colluded with Turkish government and others.

"On Monday night, the FBI approached the mayor after an event. The mayor immediately complied with the FBI's request and provided them with electronic devices," said Boyd Johnson, the lawyer for the campaign. He was quoted by AFP.

"The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation."&nbsp;

Watch | India-US defence ministers discuss China, Indo-Pacific

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The federal investigation came into public gaze just last week when FBI searched home of Brianna Suggs (25), a one-time intern who was Eric Adams' former top fundraiser. The FBI agents has seized laptops, mobile phones and a manila folder with a label 'Eric Adams'.

At the time of this raid, Adams was in Washington but rushed to New York.

Adams, who himself is a former police officer, released a statement on Friday last week.

"I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation," he said.

"I will continue to do exactly that," the mayor said. "I have nothing to hide."

The New York Times has already reported that aim of FBI's raid on Sugg's home was to find evidence of any conspiracy between Adams' campaign, Turkey and a developer whose owners are Turkish.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-set-to-meet-chinas-xi-on-november-15-to-stabilise-ties-657351">US President Biden set to meet China's Xi on November 15 to 'stabilise' ties</a>

It did not become immediately clear whether FBI's confiscation of Adams' phones was connected to FBI raid on Sugg's home.

In his statement on Friday, attorney Johnson said that "after learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly," without specifying details of the probe he was referring to.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/silicon-valley-company-launches-ai-pin-that-can-beam-content-onto-your-palm-657236">Silicon Valley company launches AI pin that can beam content onto your palm</a>

"In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators. The mayor has been and remains committed to cooperating in this matter."

(With inputs from agencies)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have seized New York Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones, said his campaign lawyer on Friday (November 10). This is being seen as an escalation of an investigation into fundraising for the campaign.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have seized New York Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones, said his campaign lawyer on Friday (November 10). This is being seen as an escalation of an investigation into fundraising for the campaign. The investigation pertains to suspected corruption and whether Adams' 2021 campaign colluded with Turkish government and others. "On Monday night, the FBI approached the mayor after an event. The mayor immediately complied with the FBI's request and provided them with electronic devices," said Boyd Johnson, the lawyer for the campaign. He was quoted by AFP. "The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation." Watch | India-US defence ministers discuss China, Indo-Pacific × The federal investigation came into public gaze just last week when FBI searched home of Brianna Suggs (25), a one-time intern who was Eric Adams' former top fundraiser. The FBI agents has seized laptops, mobile phones and a manila folder with a label 'Eric Adams'. At the time of this raid, Adams was in Washington but rushed to New York. Adams, who himself is a former police officer, released a statement on Friday last week. "I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation," he said. "I will continue to do exactly that," the mayor said. "I have nothing to hide." The New York Times has already reported that aim of FBI's raid on Sugg's home was to find evidence of any conspiracy between Adams' campaign, Turkey and a developer whose owners are Turkish. Also Read | US President Biden set to meet China's Xi on November 15 to 'stabilise' ties It did not become immediately clear whether FBI's confiscation of Adams' phones was connected to FBI raid on Sugg's home. In his statement on Friday, attorney Johnson said that "after learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly," without specifying details of the probe he was referring to. Also Read | Silicon Valley company launches AI pin that can beam content onto your palm "In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators. The mayor has been and remains committed to cooperating in this matter." (With inputs from agencies)

FBI confiscates New York mayor Eric Adams' mobile phones, says campaign lawyer

The United States’ New York Police Department (NYPD) has yet again lowered its requirement for new recruits as it moved to scrap its 1.5-mile (2.4 km) at the police academy, the training Chief Juanita Holmes told the New York Post. The move has since sparked debate among department officials with many weighing in about the so-called controversial move.&nbsp;

According to Holmes, the move will make it easier for female applicants to become a part of the NYPD. Notably, this also comes months after the department dramatically relaxed its police fitness test after a record wave of retirements. Furthermore, the head of training has also insisted that the timed run which needs to be completed by the men and women in 14 minutes and 21 seconds is not necessary to become an officer.&nbsp;

“No cop on patrol runs a mile and a half…No one’s chasing anyone a mile and a half. Not to mention every day in the gym you’re doing a mile and a half (as part of training)”, said Holmes to the Post. She added that this requirement holds back otherwise qualified candidates, particularly women.&nbsp;

However, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and now-retired Chief Kenneth Corey were against the move and took the matter up with the city’s Mayor Eric Adams, who reportedly agreed with Holmes. Therefore, now the only physical fitness criterion to become a part of the NYPD is the Job Standard Test (JST) which is a multi-step course which needs to be completed in four minutes and 28 seconds.&nbsp;

Notably, the NYPD has not responded to specific questions about the requirement in question as well as the move to scrap it and said that the JST meets the training standards required by the state. “To date, the NYPD is in compliance with the physical fitness standards set by the (state’s Municipal Police Training Council). The requirements to complete the daily physical training and tactics of our Police Academy, including running nearly every day, remains unchanged,” reported the Post.&nbsp;

This has also led many to question the fitness of the levels of the cops in the NYPD. “Cops are already out of shape. What’s going to be coming in here now?” said one police officer from Manhattan. While Eugene O’Donnell, professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former NYPD cop, speaking to the Post blamed the move on the “defund the police” movement.&nbsp;

He added, “They’re the ones that did this, and they’re the ones who are going to have to live with the consequences of a department where the utterly unfit are all that’s left in the pool.” &nbsp;O’Donnell also told the Post how this decision is not driven by research but “sheer desperation” and how there is nothing but “disadvantages to public safety from this decision.”

Similarly, City Councilman Robert Holden said that he was worried about New York making it too easy to become a police officer and suggested giving more time to recruits to finish the run rather than just scrapping it entirely. “I think there’s more women that are fit than men! I’ve seen cops that are not fit and they can’t run more than one block - they are at a distinct disadvantage if they’re not fit,” said Holden, as per The Post.&nbsp;

This also comes after a six-foot wall inside the Police Academy gym was replaced with a chain-link fence which is said to be easier to climb, as per the report which cited a cellphone video showing multiple out-of-shape cops trying and failing to scale the barrier.&nbsp; 
 
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The United States’ New York Police Department (NYPD) has yet again lowered its requirement for new recruits as it moved to scrap its 1.5-mile (2.4 km) at the police academy, the training Chief Juanita Holmes told the New York Post.

The United States’ New York Police Department (NYPD) has yet again lowered its requirement for new recruits as it moved to scrap its 1.5-mile (2.4 km) at the police academy, the training Chief Juanita Holmes told the New York Post. The move has since sparked debate among department officials with many weighing in about the so-called controversial move. According to Holmes, the move will make it easier for female applicants to become a part of the NYPD. Notably, this also comes months after the department dramatically relaxed its police fitness test after a record wave of retirements. Furthermore, the head of training has also insisted that the timed run which needs to be completed by the men and women in 14 minutes and 21 seconds is not necessary to become an officer. “No cop on patrol runs a mile and a half…No one’s chasing anyone a mile and a half. Not to mention every day in the gym you’re doing a mile and a half (as part of training)”, said Holmes to the Post. She added that this requirement holds back otherwise qualified candidates, particularly women. However, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and now-retired Chief Kenneth Corey were against the move and took the matter up with the city’s Mayor Eric Adams, who reportedly agreed with Holmes. Therefore, now the only physical fitness criterion to become a part of the NYPD is the Job Standard Test (JST) which is a multi-step course which needs to be completed in four minutes and 28 seconds. Notably, the NYPD has not responded to specific questions about the requirement in question as well as the move to scrap it and said that the JST meets the training standards required by the state. “To date, the NYPD is in compliance with the physical fitness standards set by the (state’s Municipal Police Training Council). The requirements to complete the daily physical training and tactics of our Police Academy, including running nearly every day, remains unchanged,” reported the Post. This has also led many to question the fitness of the levels of the cops in the NYPD. “Cops are already out of shape. What’s going to be coming in here now?” said one police officer from Manhattan. While Eugene O’Donnell, professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former NYPD cop, speaking to the Post blamed the move on the “defund the police” movement. He added, “They’re the ones that did this, and they’re the ones who are going to have to live with the consequences of a department where the utterly unfit are all that’s left in the pool.” O’Donnell also told the Post how this decision is not driven by research but “sheer desperation” and how there is nothing but “disadvantages to public safety from this decision.” Similarly, City Councilman Robert Holden said that he was worried about New York making it too easy to become a police officer and suggested giving more time to recruits to finish the run rather than just scrapping it entirely. “I think there’s more women that are fit than men! I’ve seen cops that are not fit and they can’t run more than one block - they are at a distinct disadvantage if they’re not fit,” said Holden, as per The Post. This also comes after a six-foot wall inside the Police Academy gym was replaced with a chain-link fence which is said to be easier to climb, as per the report which cited a cellphone video showing multiple out-of-shape cops trying and failing to scale the barrier. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New York police scraps fitness requirement for new recruits. Here’s why: Report