Manhattan DA Drops Charges Against 13 Columbia U. Anti-Israel Protesters Who Took Over Building
“Because protesters covered security cameras during the occupation, prosecutors were unable to determine what happened inside of the building.”
Of course. Did anyone really believe these people would face any real punishment for their actions?
Remaining charges will be dismissed against all but one of the protestors who occupied Hamilton Hall at Columbia.
“Because protesters covered security cameras during the occupation, prosecutors were unable to determine what happened inside of the building.”
“The adjournment in… pic.twitter.com/zlQ6ZZs1kY
— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) July 26, 2024
From the Columbia Spectator:
Thirteen Hamilton Hall protesters accept offer from Manhattan DA
The Manhattan district attorney’s office granted on Thursday adjournment in contemplation of dismissal to 13 defendants charged with criminal trespassing for their alleged participation in the occupation of Hamilton Hall on April 30.
The DA’s office first made the offer to the 13 defendants on June 20, but all of them initially declined.
The adjournment in contemplation of dismissal will result in the full dismissal of all charges following a six-month probationary period and completion of an in-person class on what constitutes “peaceful and legal protesting.” The class will also cover how protests at Columbia have an impact on both the campus and Morningside Heights community.
Prosecutors offered the adjournment in contemplation of dismissal to the remaining 13 defendants on the basis of age, as well as a lack of evidence and any previous criminal history. Because protesters covered security cameras during the occupation, prosecutors were unable to determine what happened inside of the building.
The 13 defendants, who prosecutors said were not enrolled in Columbia at the time of the occupation, accepted the offer more than a month after the DA’s office dismissed charges of criminal trespassing against 30 protesters. The defense attorney stated at the June 20 hearing that the 13 individuals include “alumni of Columbia University” and “community members concerned about the genocide that is happening.”
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters occupied Hamilton on April 30, renaming the building “Hind’s Hall” in honor of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian child killed by the Israeli military in Gaza. University President Minouche Shafik authorized the New York Police Department to sweep the occupied building that evening, leading to the arrest of over 100 individuals on and around campus.
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