Secretary of state Marco Rubio has sharply criticised the takeover of Columbia University ’s Butler Library by pro-Palestinian protesters , warning that the visa status of foreign students involved is under review.
“We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library. Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation,” Rubio posted on X
Chaos erupted on Columbia’s campus as dozens of protesters wearing masks and kaffiyehs stormed the library in a renewed wave of campus activism. The group, aligned with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, claimed the occupation was in protest of the university’s alleged complicity in "imperialist violence". Banners and Palestinian flags were draped across the grand reading room, with one sign reading “Columbia will burn” scrawled across framed photographs.
The demonstration prompted a swift police response. NYPD officers in riot gear entered the library in the evening, detaining more than 30 individuals inside and at least 80 overall. Videos circulated online showed the moment security was breached as demonstrators surged past guards with backpacks and banners. Others outside clashed with security, attempting to force their way into the building, while crowds chanted “Free Palestine” from behind police barriers.
Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, defended the decision to call in police, stating the protesters had repeatedly refused to identify themselves or leave the premises. Two public safety officers were injured during the incident. “These actions are outrageous,” she said, stressing that students had been studying for final exams at the time.
The Trump administration, which has been pressuring Columbia to protect Jewish students, has already frozen over $400 million in federal research funding. Rubio’s comments further underline the administration’s stance, with officials cracking down on foreign nationals participating in anti-Israel protests.
The federal response comes amid rising tensions on campuses across the US. In a separate case, 20-year-old Tarek Bazrouk was charged with hate crimes for allegedly assaulting Jewish individuals at several protests, including near Columbia. Meanwhile, the university recently introduced strict rules banning masks during demonstrations and empowering campus officers to arrest those in breach.
“We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library. Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation,” Rubio posted on X
Chaos erupted on Columbia’s campus as dozens of protesters wearing masks and kaffiyehs stormed the library in a renewed wave of campus activism. The group, aligned with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, claimed the occupation was in protest of the university’s alleged complicity in "imperialist violence". Banners and Palestinian flags were draped across the grand reading room, with one sign reading “Columbia will burn” scrawled across framed photographs.
The demonstration prompted a swift police response. NYPD officers in riot gear entered the library in the evening, detaining more than 30 individuals inside and at least 80 overall. Videos circulated online showed the moment security was breached as demonstrators surged past guards with backpacks and banners. Others outside clashed with security, attempting to force their way into the building, while crowds chanted “Free Palestine” from behind police barriers.
Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, defended the decision to call in police, stating the protesters had repeatedly refused to identify themselves or leave the premises. Two public safety officers were injured during the incident. “These actions are outrageous,” she said, stressing that students had been studying for final exams at the time.
The Trump administration, which has been pressuring Columbia to protect Jewish students, has already frozen over $400 million in federal research funding. Rubio’s comments further underline the administration’s stance, with officials cracking down on foreign nationals participating in anti-Israel protests.
The federal response comes amid rising tensions on campuses across the US. In a separate case, 20-year-old Tarek Bazrouk was charged with hate crimes for allegedly assaulting Jewish individuals at several protests, including near Columbia. Meanwhile, the university recently introduced strict rules banning masks during demonstrations and empowering campus officers to arrest those in breach.
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