AOC claims NYPD clearing Columbia University 'endangers public safety'

WASHINGTON (TND) — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on Tuesday predicted police intervention in the protest occupation of a building on Columbia University’s campus would endanger "public safety.”

Police cleared 30 to 40 people from inside the university's Hamilton Hall late Tuesday. The individuals had allegedly zip-tied doors shut, stacked wooden furniture against exterior entrances and placed a banner on the building, renaming it as “Hind’s Hall” after Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child killed in Gaza.

Taking to X before police entered the campus, the New York Democrat condemned such an approach to the protests.

“If any kid is hurt tonight, responsibility will fall on the mayor and univ presidents,” she wrote.

Continuing, AOC claimed universities in other parts of the country have avoided police intervention with similar protests.

“Other leaders and schools have found a safe, de-escalatory path. This is the opposite of leadership and endangers public safety,” AOC said. “A nightmare in the making. I urge the Mayor to reverse course.”

READ MORE | Students occupying Columbia library demand school allow food, water into building

Reacting to the post was pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, which noted “four days ago @AOC said the student leader who called to kill all Zionists was ‘fantastic.’”

Columbia officials indicated their decision to seek NYPD aid was a last resort.

“After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice,” the school said in a statement. “The decision to reach out to the NYPD was in response to the actions of the protesters, not the cause they are championing. We have made it clear that the life of campus cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules and the law.”

Despite AOC’s claims, police have been on hand at similar protests at major universities. One such incident at Virginia Commonwealth University saw officers in riot gear charging the protesters to disburse their encampment.

Another clash between students and police at the University of California, Los Angeles arose after campus officials received reports of “horrific acts of violence.”

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