In a significant turn of events, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University on Thursday afternoon. The demonstrators, who had been occupying the university's south lawn for over 30 hours, were removed after the school's president authorized the New York Police Department (NYPD) to clear the encampment.

According to officials, the protesters had violated the university's rules and disregarded numerous warnings to vacate the premises. Columbia President Nemat "Minouche" Shafik expressed regret over the failed attempts to resolve the situation peacefully but emphasized that the safety of the community was her top priority.

In a letter addressed to the Columbia community, President Shafik stated, "This morning, I had to make a decision that I hoped would never be necessary. As a result, NYPD officers are now on campus and the process of clearing the encampment is underway."

The NYPD promptly moved in around 1:30 p.m. ET, arresting dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters without incident. The individuals were taken into custody for trespassing, with two additional arrests made for obstruction of governmental administration.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed support for the actions taken, affirming that while students have the right to free speech, they do not have the right to disrupt learning on campus or violate university policies.

One notable arrest was that of Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar, who will be receiving a summons for trespassing. Earlier on Thursday, Hirsi had revealed her suspension from Columbia University due to her involvement in the pro-Palestinian protests.

Hirsi, known as an organizer for the Columbia University Apartheid Divest coalition, stated on a social media platform that she and two other students had been suspended for standing in solidarity with Palestinians facing what they referred to as a "genocide."

The Apartheid Divest coalition has demanded that Columbia University divest its stocks, funds, and endowment from companies allegedly complicit in the State of Israel's violations of international law and Palestinian human rights. However, the university has not yet responded to requests for comment from ABC News regarding the ongoing situation.

Throughout the demonstrations at Columbia University, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel supporters have made their voices heard. The clashes of opinions and chants were accompanied by the waving of Israeli flags and signs calling for an end to antisemitism.

The events at Columbia University coincided with President Shafik facing questioning by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about allegations of antisemitism on campus. The committee's chair, Representative Virginia Foxx, criticized the university for not doing enough to counteract the issue.

President Shafik, in her opening statement, assured the committee that Columbia University strives to be a community free of discrimination and hate in all forms. She condemned the pervasive antisemitism of today but did not address the ongoing protest directly.

As tensions continue to rise on the campus, the aftermath of the arrests and the presence of law enforcement are likely to fuel further conversations regarding free speech, university policies, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.