A gunshot was fired inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall during a Pro-Palestinian demonstration, sparking controversy and raising questions about police action. The incident took place amidst a highly tense atmosphere as the NYPD attempted to break up the student demonstration that began on April 17. Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office is currently reviewing the incident, with the Police Accountability Unit involved as a matter of policy. A video posted by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine shows a police officer texting about the shooting, further adding to the scrutiny surrounding the event.
Mayor Eric Adams commended the NYPD for their actions during the demonstration but made no mention of the shooting inside Hamilton Hall. Columbia University had initially called the police to clear student demonstrators who were calling for divestment from Israel, resulting in over 100 arrests.
City Hall released a breakdown of the arrests, claiming that nearly 30% of those arrested were unaffiliated with the schools and labeled as “agitators.” Students who were present during the demonstration reported instances of rough treatment by police, with some describing the situation as feeling like a military operation.
Delays in arraignments for those arrested were attributed to delays in arrest paperwork from the City College Police Department. The incident has once again brought attention to the militarized approach of the NYPD towards protests and demonstrations, reigniting the debate over police tactics in handling such situations.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, many are calling for transparency and accountability from both the police and the university. Stay tuned to Celebrity Beauty Buzz for further updates on this developing story.
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