Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that his office is looking into the visa status of the masked protesters arrested for taking over Columbia University’s Butler Library. The protesters, linked to anti-Israel sentiments, disrupted students studying for finals and caused damage inside the library. Rubio expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, “Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation.”
This incident unfolded as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address the involvement of foreign visa holders in activities that support terrorist organizations, particularly amid rising tensions surrounding antisemitic protests on college campuses.
The protesters, wearing keffiyehs, invaded the library while chanting slogans and carrying large signs. They vandalized property, including graffiti that read “Columbia will burn for the martyrs.” This act was part of a coordinated effort by the group Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), which claimed over 100 protesters participated in the occupation. Their language echoed the name of a recent Hamas operation, suggesting a connection to ongoing violence.
After about five hours of disruption, law enforcement took about 80 protesters into custody. Acting Columbia University President Claire Shipman stated that calling the NYPD was necessary to ensure safety, noting that some demonstrators were not affiliated with the university. Two public safety officers were reported injured during the chaos.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged parents to speak to their children about the importance of following the law and leaving the building. He emphasized the need for safety, especially for Jewish students feeling threatened by the protests.
Rubio’s announcement about reviewing the protesters’ visa status aligns with a growing concern among officials about antisemitism and its manifestations in public spaces. House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Rubio and Trump, stating that America will not tolerate antisemitic violence and intimidation.
In the aftermath, CUAD announced that all arrested protesters are now free, but the university community remains shaken by the events. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding protests on college campuses and the potential consequences for those involved.