'Act of criminal': Internet enraged as overnight anti-Israel protests in Columbia University prompts campus lockdown

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The anti-Israel sentiment has reached a new height in the United States as Columbia University, which is widely perceived as the cornerstone of the ongoing protests, has been contrived to close its campus indefinitely after an antisemitic mob barged into an academic building early Tuesday morning, April 30. 

Just hours after the anti-Israel agitators forced their way into the iconic Hamilton Hall on the Manhattan campus and barricaded its doors, the prestigious educational institution issued a statement, saying it would remain closed "until circumstances allow otherwise."

Columbia University's official statement on the anti-Israel protests on campus

"Effective immediately, access to the Morningside campus has been limited to students residing in residential buildings on campus (Carman, Furnald, John Jay, Hartley, Wallach, East Campus and Wien) and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings, labs and residential student life (for example, Dining, Public Safety, and building maintenance staff). There is no additional access to the Morningside campus," a statement from the university said.

It added, "This access restriction will remain in place until circumstances allow otherwise."

Columbia University says safety of students remains the utmost priority

The university noted in the post that the safety of students remained "paramount" and thanked the community for "understanding" the current crisis.

"The safety of every single member of this community is paramount. We thank you for your patience, cooperation and understanding," the statement read, according to Fox News. 

There would be only one access point to Columbia University

The university also clarified that there would only be one access point on the campus. Officers remain diligent in checking students’ photo IDs to allow access. 

"The only access point into and out of campus is the 116th Street and Amsterdam gate. All other campus entry points are closed. Security personnel will remain in place at the Wien Gate for individuals requiring disability access to Wien Hall and East Campus," the statement added.

Carnage inside the iconic Hamilton Hall

Once inside Hamilton Hall, the mob began "moving metal gates to barricade the doors, blocking entrances with wooden tables and chairs, and zip-tying doors shut," according to the student newspaper Columbia Spectator.

Footage of the insurrection showed the protesters in New York smashing windows, unfurling a Palestinian flag over a window, and chanting, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and "Palestine will live forever."

Outside of Hamilton Hall, the anti-Israel rebels form a human barricade by linking their arms and vowing to remain until the university meets their three demands.

The students are demanding the university divest their financial support of Israel, become more transparent with its investments, and provide blanket amnesty to the protesting students for any consequences.

Columbia University warns students and faculties from traveling on campus

The university initially confirmed the major escalation and urged students and faculty members to avoid traveling to campus.

"Early this morning, a group of protestors [sic] occupied Hamilton Hall on the Morningside campus," the school said. "In light of the protest activity on campus, members of the University community who can avoid coming to the Morningside campus today (Tuesday, April 30) should do so."

It further instructed "Essential personnel should report to work according to university policy. Please check with your supervisor if you have any questions. Be aware that access to campus and other campus buildings may be restricted. We will continue to update you with more information should there be additional changes to campus access today."

US finds 5 Israeli units responsible for human rights abuses in Palestine's West Bank

MEAWW previously reported that the Biden administration found five units of Israel’s security forces responsible for gross violations of human rights. The Department of State announced the findings on Monday, April 29, noting that it is the first time Washington has reached such a conclusion about Israeli forces.

Several human rights groups have repeatedly reported abuses by Israeli units, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and other physical abuse, most of them committed against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

According to State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel, the incidents in question did not take place in Gaza and occurred before the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October. “Four of these units have effectively remediated these violations, which is what we expect partners to do,” said Patel.

He declined to go into detail on the breaches US officials identified, which units were involved, or what remediation steps were taken. In the case of the fifth unit, Washington has not yet determined whether there has been sufficient remediation and is still in talks with Israel, he added.

Internet reacts as Columbia University locks down campus

Netizens were enraged after the University shut down campus buildings following the overnight mutiny.

One user stated, "According to student witnesses, some students are giving their university ID to Hamas protestors to allow them to enter buildings on campus." Another added, "Looks like Columbia University took 'effective immediately' a little too seriously!"

"That is the act of criminal," echoed one user while another opined, "Too little, too late the story of ineffective reactive administration."

"Use police force on students and lock them behind bars and you won’t see any protest," penned another individual. 

"I Have No Sympathy For The Administration Of Columbia University!! THEIR GUTLESS HANDLING OF THE SITUATION MADE IT WORSE!!!" lashed out one and another said, "Put a stop to this madness!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.