New York Police Department riot police officers stormed Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, which had been occupied and barricaded by protesting students.
On Tuesday night, hundreds of NYPD officers with tactical vehicles arrived on campus, sealing it off. An email from the university went out to students, ordering them to stay in place.
After securing the perimeter, police began to arrest protesters. Riot police then moved on to Hamilton Hall, using a tactical vehicle to force entry through a second-story window.
Videos showed an armored vehicle lowering a drawbridge near the window, which was then opened by riot police and entered. The police were seen in full tactical gear, with riot shields and appearing to have guns drawn. About 100 people were reportedly arrested.
Dozens of officers followed the initial team, filling the building.
Several students were seen being taken off campus in zip ties and taken to NYPD buses, the New York Times reported.
A large crowd of protesters gathered outside the building, blocked off by a cordon of police, to chant and protest. The NYPD issued an order for protesters by the university gate to disperse.
Columbia student radio reported that tear gas was deployed inside Hamilton Hall. The NYPD denied this, saying flashbangs were used but no tear gas, per CBS New York’s Ali Bauman.
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Columbia defended its decision to ask the NYPD to intervene as having no other choice.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“We regret that protesters have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions. After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice,” it said.
“We believe that the group that broke into and occupied the building is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University,” it added.
