NY Police Deputy Commissioner Brings Chains Used By Columbia ‘Agitators’ Into Morning Joe Studio, Claims It’s ‘Not What Students Bring to School’

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard brought in one of the chains used by Columbia University “agitators” to barricade an administrative building police cleared on Tuesday evening.

Sheppard joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe in studio while New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) joined remotely. Adams said the decision for police to enter Hamilton Hall was made after several individuals were identified at the encampment protest as “outside agitators.”

“These were professionals that were here, and I just want to send a clear message out that there are people who are harmful and who are trying to radicalize our children and we cannot ignore this,” the mayor said.

Adams also called for a probe into whether these “agitators” were “international.”

Sheppard brought in the industrial chains used to locked doors in Hamilton Hall. He also said refrigerators and more were used to help barricade doors. Mika Brzezinski praised officers for “containing” the situation. She previously compared images from the campus protesters to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

“This is not what students bring to school, okay?” Sheppard said, showing off the chain. “This is what professionals bring to campuses and universities. These are heavy industrial chains that were locked with bike locks and this is what we encountered on every door inside of Hamilton Hall.”

Critics on social media pointed out that similar chains and locks are promoted to students by Columbia University Public Safety to prevent theft. One chain with a bike lock costs about $85.

The deputy commissioner said 40-50 people were arrested inside Hamilton Hall.

The police action followed more than 100 being arrested at the New York encampment, including the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN).

Adams said those arrested on Tuesday could face charges such as burglary, trespassing, and criminal mischief. Students taking part in an encampment outside of school buildings, but still on campus will be kept to “summonable offense,” the mayor added.

There has been police action on numerous college campuses around the country amid reports of rising tensions and violence . Students are demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and that their schools cut all ties to Israel. Israel has maintained their strikes on Gaza, which have led to thousands of civilian deaths, will not stop until Hamas, the terror group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, is eliminated.

Watch above via MSNBC .