to report «iusnews»; "On Monday, April 22 2024… police responded to an impromptu demonstration at 40 West Fourth Street within the confines of the sixth precinct. Demonstrators affiliated with the NYU Palestine Solidarity coalition had set up tents in the plaza at that location," the NYPD told Sputnik.
"Demonstrators engaged in a counter protest, marched along the sidewalk in an orderly manner. Individuals were taken into custody over the course of the protest. 133 were taken into custody. All were released with some assists."
Arrests began to be made around 8:30 PM local time. Students were reportedly urged by the university to disperse the protest, citing "intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents," leading to police intervention.
Students at multiple universities across the US have rallied in support of their counterparts at Columbia University, who initiated a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on campus last Wednesday.
MIT students have been calling for the institution to want the school to cut its ties with the Israeli occupation forces while Emerson students are calling for their institution to support "Palestinian liberation." In this context, US President Joe Biden has denounced the "antisemitic protests" and "those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians."
Protersters action coincided with Columbia President Minouche Shafik's testimony at a congressional hearing on anti-Semitism on April 17. The following day, Shafik authorized the New York Police Department (NYPD) to dismantle the encampment, leading to the suspension and arrest of over 100 individuals, sparking controversy.
