Recent events at Columbia University have sparked controversy as the New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, raised concerns about the presence of 'outside agitators' attempting to disrupt what was initially intended as a peaceful protest.
Daughtry expressed his views on Friday night, stating that while the protest may have originated from a group of Columbia students exercising their constitutional right to protest, it has since attracted external individuals seeking to escalate the situation.
The NYPD official labeled these individuals as 'outside agitators' who are allegedly trying to manipulate the peaceful protest and steer it towards a more sinister direction.
Furthermore, Daughtry highlighted that the NYPD has observed the same groups of 'professional protestors' participating in various demonstrations on a nightly basis, irrespective of the cause being advocated.
Daughtry emphasized that the NYPD is prepared to intervene and address any issues arising on Columbia's campus, pending approval from the university's president.
The accusations of outside interference and attempts to hijack the protest have raised concerns about the potential impact on the peaceful nature of the demonstration and the safety of those involved.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to ensure that the core message of the protest remains intact and that any external disruptions are effectively managed.
