Dozens to Avoid Criminal Charges After Campus Occupation
Dozens of Columbia University students arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest will not face criminal charges, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Mass Arrests Follow Building Occupation
On April 30th, students occupied Hamilton Hall, a university administration building, barricading themselves inside in protest of the Israel-Hamas conflict. At the request of Columbia officials, the NYPD raided the building the following night, arresting 46 people on trespassing charges.
Lack of Evidence Leads to Dismissals
At a recent court hearing, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office opted to drop charges against 31 of those arrested. Prosecutors cited a lack of evidence linking them to specific property damage and their clean criminal records. Assistant District Attorney Stephen Millan elaborated, stating that masks worn by the protesters and blocked security cameras hampered efforts to “prove that they participated in damaging any Columbia University property or causing harm to anyone.”
Disciplinary Action by University Likely
While criminal charges are dismissed for most, these students still face potential disciplinary action from Columbia University, including expulsion.
Charges Move Forward for a Few
Prosecutors will pursue charges against one individual accused of damaging NYPD property and burning an Israeli flag during a protest. Thirteen others, primarily alumni with two students, declined plea deals offered in solidarity with those facing the most serious potential consequences, according to a statement from Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a pro-protest group.
