New York Riot Police Storm Columbia University Building Occupied by Protesters

New York Police Department officers in riot gear stormed Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall on Tuesday evening, ending its occupation by pro-Palestine protesters.

Live footage showed riot police climbing ladders to gain access to Hamilton Hall via two windows, before dozens of officers could be seen storming the building.

Student protesters on the ground chanted, “Shame!” at the officers as they attempted to break through the windows with riot shields in hand.

At 9:26 p.m. ET, officers successfully broke through the first window and crawled in as protesters screamed, “Shame on you!” Dozens of officers with less equipment could be seen following the initial team, crawling through the window for more than five minutes.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry posted additional footage to social media, which showed officers pulling apart a barricade and breaking down a door.

The NYPD later announced that the building had been cleared and that nearly 100 people had been arrested.

Less than an hour prior to the operation, CNN reporter and Columbia University student Julia Vargas Jones reported live from the protest in the same location before being moved on by police shortly before the storming of Hamilton Hall.

Students were advised by Columbia University to “shelter in place for safety” shortly before police arrived at the campus.

“Non compliance may result in discipline,” the university warned. “Avoid area until further notice.”

In a statement following the police response, Columbia University claimed it had been “left with no choice” and accused the protest of being led by individuals not associated with the university.

Watch above via Spectrum News NY1.