Internet agrees as NYC officials claim 'professional outside agitators' behind Columbia building takeover

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a startling revelation, New York City officials have pointed fingers at "professional outside agitators" for the recent violent takeover of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University.

Mayor Eric Adams, alongside the NYPD, voiced concerns over the orchestrated disruption of what was initially a peaceful protest, emphasizing the dangers posed by these individuals to public safety, as reported by New York Post.

New York City officials blame 'external agitators' for takeover of Columbia's Hamilton Hall

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Adams condemned the actions of the agitators, alleging that they had exploited the once-peaceful protests for their own agenda.

"We are seeing the tactics changing in a way that is endangering public safety. These once-peaceful protests are being exploited by professional outside agitators," Caban stated.

The group broke into the building in the early hours of Tuesday, April 30. Shocking footage showed demonstrators smashing through glass doors with hammers and using various objects to barricade themselves inside.

"They're not here to promote peace, unity, allow a peaceful display in one voice, but they are here to create discord and divisiveness. We cannot and will not allow what should be a peaceful gathering to turn into a violent spectacle that serves no purpose," Adams remarked at the press conference.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence Rebecca Ulam Weiner, authorities identified at least one of the lead agitators as Lisa Fithian, described as a seasoned protester who has been involved in various movements across the country since the 1970s.

"These protests have been and are being influenced by external actors who are unaffiliated with the university — some who have been known to our department and others for many years for their dangerous, destructive and at times criminal activity associated with protests," Weiner stated.

The NYPD also said several other rioters were flagged by Columbia itself as having no affiliation with the school.

"We think these tactics are a result of guidance that's being given to students from some of these external actors," Weiner explained.

Internet backs New York City officials' claims of outside influence

Online commentators were quick to express agreement with the NYC officials' claims of outside influence. One X user remarked, "Well at least they’re acknowledging that someone is paying these losers to stir shit up."

While another user concurred, stating, "Paid professional agitator is the correct way to identify them. Students should be described as gullible pawns to clueless to think for themselves."

A third user chimed in, "And anybody with a room temperature IQ or higher knows who pays for it."

Another online commentator highlighted, "Probably the case at most universities. Thank the Soros family."

On other platforms as well, the agreement continued, with one user expressing, "Thanks for that news flash NYPD! Did you learn absolutely nothing from the George Floyd protests."

Another user wrote, "This has been the feeling almost from the start….professional agitators. And if other campuses are investigated, the same will be found." Lastly, a user stated, "Really? Thanks, Mayor Obvious. Make a clear point this is not acceptable and will not happen."

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.