Warning of ‘outside agitators,’ Eric Adams escalates rhetoric against Columbia protesters

NEW YORK — Insisting demonstrations at Columbia University have “been co-opted by professional outside agitators,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday told students to leave their makeshift encampment.

The Democratic mayor, flanked by NYPD brass at police headquarters, addressed the public during a foreboding press briefing that hinted at future chaos and possible arrests. He insisted people who “have no affiliation with Columbia University” and have sinister motives have overtaken the mostly peaceful protests in support of Palestinians on the Upper Manhattan campus.

“It is our belief they are now actively co-opting what should be a peaceful gathering,” Adams said. “This is to serve their own agenda. They are not here to promote peace or unity or allow a peaceful displaying of one voice but they are here to create discord and divisiveness.”

He then warned parents and guardians to “please call your child and urge them to leave the area before the situation escalates. This is for their own safety and the safety of others.”

Columbia officials last week required a virtual option for all final exams; some students have already begun to move out.

The mayor’s warning Tuesday night contained some of his most forceful language since students protesting Columbia’s ties to Israel and its military operation in Gaza escalated their opposition with an encampment on the Ivy League campus April 17. In the days since, similar encampments have sprung up across New York City and around the world.

The situation took another turn early Tuesday morning, when students charged Hamilton Hall, a school building, and barricaded themselves inside. A few dozen people remained in the encampment Tuesday evening, and have moved about 10 tents to the front of Hamilton Hall, where doors remained barricaded with metal picnic tables.

Demonstrations with chants continued outside the gates of the prestigious university at 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the group behind the encampment, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A demonstrator sitting outside Hamilton Hall told POLITICO no one was available for comment.

Back in Lower Manhattan, Adams and police officials showed a two-minute video of what they deemed evidence that outside forces were driving the most extreme parts of the protests.

Rebecca Weiner, deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism, narrated clips showing students bringing barriers into Hamilton Hall and climbing through windows. Outside forces, she said, assisted students in gaining access to the building, held training sessions and helped disable cameras.

Kaz Daughtry, deputy commissioner of operations, meanwhile laid out possible charges for protesters should the NYPD be called onto campus. He said those in the barricaded building would be charged with third-degree burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief, while those still in the tent encampment would be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.