Late Tuesday evening, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) deployed to Columbia University and entered a building occupied by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. According to CNN, dozens of protesters have been arrested and loaded onto buses. Authorities were called in to restore order and ensure campus safety after the university reported vandalism, blockades, and threats to personnel.
Protests at universities across the United States show no signs of abating, with more arrests on campuses and a brief skirmish between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators at UCLA. Protesters are demanding an end to Israel’s military incursion into Gaza, divestment of university assets from companies involved with the Israeli military, and an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel. Counter-protesters have become increasingly vocal on campuses, leading to a tense atmosphere. The protests have spread to dozens of colleges and universities nationwide, including Columbia University, the University of Southern California, and Washington University in St. Louis. Hundreds of arrests have been made, including Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. President Joe Biden has expressed understanding for the strong feelings about the conflict but has condemned antisemitism and hate speech. The protests have also sparked controversy, with USC canceling its main commencement ceremony after a Muslim student’s valedictorian speech was called off.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner took place amid protests and boycott calls over the conflict in Gaza. Protesters chanted slogans and unfurled a Palestinian flag outside the venue, while a group called Code Pink threatened to disrupt the event. Inside, President Joe Biden faced criticism for US support of Israel’s military offensive. Comedian Colin Jost delivered the traditional roast, which included jabs at Biden and former President Donald Trump. Despite the controversy, the dinner proceeded as scheduled, with celebrities and journalists in attendance.
President Biden is set to deliver remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Saturday. The event will feature comedian Colin Jost and is expected to be attended by journalists, celebrities, and politicians. Outside the event, protesters have vowed to gather in opposition to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and has drawn international criticism.
In the wake of widespread protests against the war in Gaza and the anticipation of further demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention, a political scientist analyzes the history and nature of protests. By comparing protests from the 1950s to the present, the analysis reveals how media, particularly television, has transformed protest strategies and increased their visibility and impact on elite opinions. While some protests fail, others succeed in influencing policy outcomes by capturing national attention and pressuring local decision-makers through dramatic events.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has commented on the recent protests at Columbia University and other American universities. He emphasized the importance of balancing freedom of expression, responsibility, and public order in democratic societies.
Pro-Palestine protests have erupted at New York University, leading to a tense confrontation between demonstrators and the NYPD. A video has emerged capturing a chaotic scene where protesters confronted and berated NYPD Assistant Chief James McCarthy and his officers, demanding the release of an arrested demonstrator. The incident unfolded on Monday night after police cleared a campus encampment set up by over 100 protesters in solidarity with those protesting at Columbia University. During the clash, some protesters reportedly threw bottles at officers, and one allegedly hit an officer in the head with a chair. The video shows protesters surrounding and insulting the officers, chanting “Free Palestine!” and labeling them as “fascists.”
A bipartisan-supported bill in the California state legislature aims to deter protesters from blocking highways by doubling fines for repeat offenses. Backers of the bill, including Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, cite concerns about public safety and the hindrance of emergency responders during recent demonstrations. However, civil rights advocates argue that increased penalties will not suppress dissent and that peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment.
A Janata Dal (United) youth activist, Sourabh Kumar, was fatally shot and his friend Munmun sustained severe injuries after unidentified assailants opened fire at them in rural Patna late on Wednesday. The incident occurred as the duo were returning home after attending a wedding function. Kumar was pronounced dead on arrival at a private hospital, while Munmun remains in critical condition from three bullet wounds.
A video tweeted by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has highlighted the confusion among some protesters at New York University (NYU) regarding the purpose of their pro-Palestine demonstrations. In the video, one protester admitted to not knowing what NYU was doing or why they were protesting against Israel. Another protester expressed a desire to be more educated about the situation. The incident has drawn criticism, with Giuliani slamming the protesters as “terribly misguided people.” The protests, which have taken place at multiple US universities, have been ongoing for weeks. They have intensified after a number of arrests were made across multiple varsities. Videos on social media have shown police using force to disperse demonstrations at the University of Texas’s Austin campus and the University of Southern California. The students have rallied behind Palestine and criticized US President Joe Biden for his handling of the Israel-Gaza war.
