New York, United States

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. 

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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.

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"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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During a Wednesday press conference, the mayor pulled out a letter from Columbia officials requesting assistance. 

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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)