NYPD Uses 'Distraction Devices' During Columbia University Protest Response

Protests continue at a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at Columbia University

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed that they utilized 'distraction devices' during their response to the protest at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night. This statement comes in response to initial reports suggesting the use of tear gas, which the NYPD has refuted.

According to an NYPD spokesperson, the department employs flash-bang grenades or other similar methods as distraction devices. When a flash-bang grenade is deployed, it emits a bright flash and a very loud bang, serving to surprise and disorient individuals present at the scene.

These devices emit bright flashes and loud bangs to disorient individuals.

Distraction devices like flash-bang grenades were used by the NYPD at Columbia University.

NYPD did not confirm the number of arrests made during the incident.

While the NYPD acknowledged the use of these distraction devices, they did not provide further details on the specific methods employed or confirm the number of arrests made during the incident.

Despite the lack of specific information on the arrest numbers, reports indicate that dozens of individuals were taken into custody as part of the police response to the protest at Columbia University.