U.S. Officials Respond to Protests at Columbia University

(MENAFN) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration is assessing the visa eligibility of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who seized control of Columbia University’s main library in Manhattan on Wednesday evening.

"We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library," Rubio posted on X.

He further asserted that "Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation."

His comments followed the apprehension of several activists who tried to occupy the Butler Library.

Columbia University President Claire Shipman reported that those involved in the incident refused "to identify themselves and leave the building."

Shipman explained that she summoned the New York City Police Department due to the "number of individuals participating in the disruption inside and outside of the building," the presence of a "large group of people attempting to force their way into Butler Library creating a safety hazard," and what she described as "the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the University."

Mayor Eric Adams of New York emphasized the city’s support for peaceful demonstrations but made it clear that unlawful acts would not be accepted.

He declared, "New York City will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness."

Addressing non-students involved in the protests, Adams warned, "To those protesting on campus who do not attend Columbia: exit the campus immediately or you will be arrested. We will not tolerate hate or violence in any form in our city."

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