The daughter of a U.S. Representative from Minnesota, Isra Hirsi, was arrested in connection with protests at Columbia University. She was taken into custody by the New York Police Department and will face trespassing charges. Along with over 100 others, she was given a summons for trespassing.
Isra Hirsi stated that she was suspended from Barnard College for supporting Palestinians facing what she described as a genocide. She expressed determination to continue protesting until their demands, including divestment from certain companies and transparency of Columbia's investments, are met.
Protests at Columbia University began on Wednesday with anti-Israel activists setting up an encampment on the main lawn to protest Israel's actions against Hamas. The demonstrations escalated with calls for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar questioned Columbia administrators about anti-Israel activism on the campus. She raised concerns about an alleged attack involving a toxic substance at an anti-Israel protest, which was later revealed to be a non-toxic flatulence spray.
Following these events, Congressman Bowman criticized Columbia University for suspending Isra Hirsi, suggesting it was a form of political reprisal. He emphasized that educational institutions should not engage in such actions.
