In a heated demonstration outside Columbia University, clashes erupted between pro-Palestinian protesters and NYPD officers, leading to the arrest of several demonstrators. The "All Out for Palestine" protest began on Friday afternoon, with participants waving Palestinian flags and engaging in scuffles with the officers.

Footage of the protest quickly spread on social media, showing protesters resisting police commands to clear roadways while chanting slogans such as "NYPD, KKK. IDF they're all the same." One video clip captured an individual being detained by police, while others attempted to intervene and taunt the officers. Notably, a 31-year-old man identified as Fadi Shuman was seen taking an officer's cap and fleeing with it.

According to a spokesperson for the city, three individuals were arrested, and 12 others were issued citations for disorderly conduct. The charges against Shuman include grand larceny, obstructing governmental administration, aggravated harassment, and criminal possession of stolen property. Similarly, 34-year-old Sara Elmilgi was arrested and charged with harassment for allegedly slapping an officer's arms while being guided back to the sidewalk. A third individual, Jesse Pape, 47, was charged with obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct for refusing to comply with a lawful order to disperse.

The primary protest, attended by hundreds of individuals, reportedly took place outside Columbia University. However, a smaller group of demonstrators later marched to West 107th Street and Broadway, where additional arrests were made.

During the clashes and arrests, some protesters directed strong verbal attacks towards the police. One protester yelled, "You are violent thugs. You are criminals!" while in custody. Others chanted, "NYPD, burn in hell! It is right to rebel."

The tense atmosphere of the protest also led to confrontations targeting those with different viewpoints. A pro-Israel woman was surrounded by protesters who ripped a poster from her displaying Israelis who had been kidnapped. Police intervened and separated the woman from the group.

The demonstration itself was a response to allegations that anti-Israel student protesters had been sprayed with an unknown chemical on the university's campus last month. As a result of that incident, two alleged assailants were banned from campus, and the police launched an investigation to determine the nature of the attack. Interim Provost Dennis A. Mitchell referred to the chemical incident as a possible hate crime.

The clash between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and NYPD officers underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities will work to maintain order while respecting individuals' rights to express their opinions through peaceful protests.