The New York City Police Department (NYPD) arrested 44 people at the New School, a private university in the city, after the school requested assistance in dispersing illegal encampments. The individuals had set up an encampment in the lobby of a residence hall, preventing students from accessing their dorms. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry mentioned that the police gave the individuals multiple opportunities to leave, but those who remained chose to be arrested for trespassing.
Additionally, 13 people were arrested at New York University in a similar situation. Most of the individuals at NYU, around 30, decided to leave voluntarily and were allowed to do so. However, approximately a dozen individuals who refused to leave were subsequently arrested. The process of clearing the encampments at both universities was reported to have caused minimal disruption and confrontation.
The NYPD spokesperson highlighted that the individuals at the New School were given options to leave, including receiving a summons or a desk appearance ticket. Despite the warnings, the individuals opted to be arrested. The spokesperson also noted the presence of anti-Israel sentiments among the individuals involved in the encampments.
Overall, a total of 57 individuals were arrested on Friday morning in connection with the illegal encampments at the New School and New York University. The authorities took necessary action to ensure the safety and access of students to their respective dormitories, following the requests for assistance from the educational institutions.
