In a pro-Palestinian protest that escalated into violence, over 100 individuals were arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) officers for criminal trespass at Columbia University. The protest had begun a day earlier as Columbia University President Nemat "Minouche" Shafik testified before a House committee about the school's response to antisemitism.

The demonstrators, including students, faculty, and others, gathered in upper Manhattan early Wednesday morning, setting up tents and signs. As the day progressed, competing rallies of pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups emerged. Waving Palestinian flags, some pro-Palestinian protesters engaged in verbal confrontations with police officers, who subsequently began barricading them in with barricades.

Videos from WCBS showed clashes between Pro-Palestinian protesters and the police, with some individuals setting small fires. One woman was seen being led away in handcuffs. Additionally, four people were arrested overnight during the protests, although no specific charges were mentioned by the NYPD.

As tensions escalated, Columbia University decided to close its campus gates, permitting only individuals with Columbia IDs to enter. Many pro-Palestinian protesters associated with the university camped on the campus overnight.

Columbia President Shafik, who was testifying before the House education committee in Washington, D.C., wrote a letter to the NYPD, requesting their assistance in removing the protesters. According to Shafik's letter, the individuals were in violation of the university's rules and policies, despite multiple notices and warnings to disperse.

In response to President Shafik's request, the NYPD used bullhorns to inform the protesters that they would be arrested unless they dispersed immediately. Meanwhile, crowds of Columbia students on the perimeter chanted slogans in support of the protesters.

By early afternoon, a group of approximately 200 protesters moved to an area near the NYPD staging site, prompting authorities to announce their intention to disperse the crowd. The NYPD deployed officers equipped with helmets and batons to surround the group.

Alleged footage showed NYPD officers clashing with protesters outside the university during the Thursday morning incident. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued a social media warning about bus delays in the area due to the ongoing protest.

In an unrelated incident, at Barnard College, located across the street from Columbia University, Isra Hirsi, daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar, revealed that she and two other students were suspended for participating in pro-Palestinian protests.

Columbia University, including President Shafik, has faced criticism for their handling of incidents involving antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab harassment on campus. During the House Committee hearing, President Shafik emphasized the importance of free expression and open debate at the university. However, she acknowledged that certain expressions of freedom of speech had made students feel unsafe.

Following previous incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia, university leaders had condemned such acts. Additionally, criticism was directed towards the university for hiring a professor who allegedly expressed support for Hamas on social media. However, President Shafik confirmed on Wednesday that the professor had been terminated.