The arrests at NYU followed a pattern of similar incidents at other schools, including Columbia University and Yale University, since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. In a social media post, Kaz Daughtry, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner for operations, stated that the department is prepared to address such illegal actions whenever called upon.
According to a statement from NYU’s Global Campus Safety department, protesters at NYU on Monday broke through barriers set up around Gould Plaza. University officials warned those in the plaza to vacate by 4 p.m., stating that no disciplinary or police action would be taken if they left. However, additional protesters attempted to enter the plaza, violating the stated requirement. Officials witnessed disorderly behavior that posed a threat to the community’s safety and security, prompting the university to seek assistance from the NYPD.
