On Tuesday, demonstrators who broke into Hamilton Hall were revealed to be individuals not affiliated with Columbia University, as confirmed by a university spokesperson. The spokesperson expressed regret over the protesters' decision to escalate the situation through their actions. Following the discovery that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, the university was left with no choice but to take action.
Columbia public safety personnel were reportedly forced out of the building, and a member of the facilities team was threatened during the incident. Concerns for the safety of the university community and the potential for further escalation prompted the university's response.
The situation led to the involvement of the New York Police Department, which arrived on campus Tuesday evening to address the unfolding events. The university spokesperson's statement highlighted the need to prioritize safety and prevent any further disturbances on campus.
