On Monday night, a group of New York University students and faculty members were arrested during protests on the campus of NYU. The New York Police Department confirmed the arrests but did not disclose the exact number of individuals taken into custody.
According to sources, NYU had requested the presence of the NYPD on campus to 'enforce the law.' The university's decision came after protesters breached a barricade at Gould Plaza, a designated area on school property, earlier in the day.
In response to the breach, Fountain Walker, head of NYU Global Campus Safety, addressed the protesters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety protocols on campus. The university expressed concerns over the disruptive and disorderly behavior exhibited by some individuals, stating that such actions posed a threat to the safety and security of the NYU community.
NYU officials emphasized that the breach of the barricades at Gould Plaza had led to a situation where additional protesters entered the area against safety guidelines. The university underscored its commitment to ensuring the well-being of all individuals on campus and stressed the need to prevent any harm or injuries resulting from the protests.
As the situation unfolded, the NYPD intervened to address the escalating tensions and restore order on the NYU campus. The arrests made during the protests underscored the seriousness with which both the university and law enforcement agencies viewed the breach of safety protocols and the ensuing disruptions.
NYU has yet to provide a detailed comment on the events that transpired during the protests. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions in managing public demonstrations while upholding the safety and security of their students, faculty, and staff.