Jeffrey Maddrey, NYPD’s chief of department, revealed that the agency was caught off guard by the escalation of campus protests at Columbia University on Tuesday. Maddrey explained that law enforcement had to quickly devise a plan in response to a request from the university.
Maddrey detailed the challenges faced by the NYPD in managing the situation, including the need to clear the streets, bring in barricades, and ensure a smooth process for transporting arrested individuals. He described the difficulties encountered in breaching a heavily fortified building on campus, where students were resisting and throwing objects at law enforcement.
Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of ongoing communication between the NYPD and all universities in the city. Adams highlighted the need for swift action after intelligence indicated a potential escalation in protests, with a focus on taking over buildings.
Adams stated that the NYPD had engaged in discussions with educational institutions to offer support and quick response capabilities. The decision to intervene was based on a combination of intelligence reports and observations made by the schools.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing protests and maintaining public safety in a rapidly evolving environment.
