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Columbia campus uprising: How pro-Palestinian protesters seized historic Hamilton Hall in bold move

By Bhavik Grover
Published on : 04:14 PST, May 1, 2024
Columbia campus uprising: How pro-Palestinian protesters seized historic Hamilton Hall in bold move
Pro-Gaza demonstrators took over Columbia's Hamilton Hall after days of standoff (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

Columbia campus uprising: Pro-Palestinian protesters seize historic Hamilton Hall in bold move

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 09: People walk on the Columbia University campus on March 9, 2020 in New York
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators took over Columbia's Hamilton Hall in bold protest move (Getty Images)

In the early hours of April 30, a daring move by Columbia University students took over the heart of the institution. What began as a call for divestment from Israel had been brewing for nearly two weeks on the campus lawn. In a dramatic escalation, demonstrators stormed Hamilton Hall, an academic centerpiece, erecting barricades to fend off authorities, as per New York Magazine.

1. Protesters seize Columbia's Hamilton Hall

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Colombia University, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
Protesters install barricades inside Columbia's historic Hamilton Hall (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

Around midnight, the campus buzzed with activity, a break from the usual quiet. Crowds gathered at the campus sundial, signaling something was happening. One group moved tents to the upper grounds, while another dashed towards Hamilton Hall. Encountering a lone security guard, protesters urged her to leave. Inside, barricades went up quickly, while upstairs furniture was pulled down to strengthen their position.

2. Pro-Palestinian protesters scuffle with Columbia staff 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: A maintenance crew member confronts demonstrators attempting to barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Colombia University, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
Pro-Palestinian protesters engage in a scuffle with Columbia staff (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

As demonstrators pulled down furniture, two workers remained on site. Students urged them to leave, but one worker, wearing a Yankees hat, resisted, insisting he was just doing his job. Despite attempts to calm him down, a brief scuffle ensued. Though no one was hurt, tensions ran high as both parties eventually walked away.

3. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators get supplies and logistics for a prolonged encampment 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Colombia University, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
Pro-Palestinian protesters take account of supplies after storming Hamilton Hall (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

Supplies were transported to protesters in reusable shopping bags in the lead up to the siege. These included ropes, chains, nails, a drill, and a hammer, likely used for constructing the barricades. Sleeping bags indicated a readiness for a prolonged stay.

4. Protesters install barricades at Hamilton Hall

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: A demonstrator breaks the windows of the front door of the building in order to secure a chain around it to prevent authorities from entering as demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Colombia University, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
A demonstrator breaks the windows of the front door of the building in order to secure a chain around it to prevent authorities from entering (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

To fortify the main entrance, protesters shattered the windows of the French doors and secured them with a chain. The barricades were elaborately planned with desks, chained door, and chairs in the vestibule. Outside, metal picnic tables were positioned against the door. Additionally, a lower-level barricade was reinforced with wood and nails.

5. Pro-Palestinian protesters rename Hamilton Hall as Hind's Hall

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment show a banner as they barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Colombia University, on April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
Demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment show a banner as they barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

After storming the Hamilton Hall, protesters unfurled a banner renaming it 'Hind’s Hall'in honor of Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza during Israel's conflict with Hamas. This renaming echoes a similar act in 1985 when students advocating for divestment in apartheid South Africa renamed a building Mandela Hall, according to New York Times.

6. Police make arrests amid Columbia standoff

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: A man is arrested during a rally in support of Israel outside the gates of Columbia University on April 25, 2024 in New York City. Israel supporters are reacting to the growing number of college campuses throughout the country whose student protesters are setting up pro-Palestinian tent encampments on school grounds. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
A man is arrested during a rally in support of Israel outside the gates of Columbia University (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

As tensions mounted, law enforcement intervened, forcibly evicting nearly 100 protesters from Hamilton Hall. The swift action came at the behest of university authorities, citing the need to restore order and ensure safety on campus, NBC News reported.

7. Columbia threatens to expel protesting students

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Students/demonstrators lock arms to guard potential authorities against reaching fellow protestors who barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building which has been occupied in past student movements,, and name it after a Palestinian child allegedly killed by the Israeli military on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
Students/demonstrators lock arms to guard potential authorities against reaching fellow protestors who barricaded themselves inside
Hamilton Hall (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

In response to the occupation of Hamilton Hall, Columbia issued stern warning that it will expel the students involved in protests. Emphasizing the disruption caused by the protests, officials asserted that disciplinary actions were non-negotiable, Forbes reports.

8. Biden responds to Hamilton Hall occupation

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: One demonstrator fixes another head scarf outside the pro-Palestine encampment on the Columbia University campus on April 29, 2024 in New York City. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched around the
Columbia students were the first to erect an encampment in support of Palestine, with students demanding that the school divest from Israel (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

In response to the takeover, notable politicians weighed in on the situation. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed President Joe Biden's disapproval, calling the occupation the "wrong approach." Donald Trump, speaking on Fox News, praised the police's actions during the clearing but regretted the escalation. Mayor Adams warned protesters to "leave the area," as reported by CBS News.

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