A pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College turned chaotic on Thursday, with clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in multiple arrests and the use of a Taser by an officer to subdue a man in the crowd. The incident came on the heels of 80 arrests at Columbia University the day before, where pro-Palestinian protesters occupied part of the main library.
The swift response to both protests underscores the pressure faced by colleges in the United States, as they navigate the demands of the Trump administration to quell pro-Palestinian campus unrest. At Brooklyn College, tensions escalated as students and faculty gathered to voice their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite some initial confrontations and warnings from college officials, the rally seemed to be winding down peacefully.
However, as the crowd exited the campus gates, more arrests were made, and tensions flared once again. Some protesters denounced a college building as a “Zionist institution,” while others displayed signs with provocative messages against Israel. The situation took a drastic turn when officers intervened aggressively, resulting in physical altercations and the deployment of a Taser on one individual.
College officials had requested police presence earlier in the day, leading to the arrest of seven individuals. A spokesperson for Brooklyn College emphasized that the demonstrators had violated campus policy by erecting tents, which were eventually removed by security officers and police to disperse the crowd. The safety of the campus community was highlighted as a top priority, with strict rules in place to ensure the smooth operation of the university.
Following the incident, the campus was closed for the remainder of the day, with classes possibly being moved online or canceled. The aftermath of the rally left a tense atmosphere on campus, prompting a reevaluation of security protocols and protest guidelines. Emma Grillo contributed to the reporting of this event.
Overall, the events at Brooklyn College shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses, as institutions navigate the delicate balance between free expression and campus safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by universities in managing contentious political discourse and ensuring the well-being of their students and faculty.
