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Protest leaders at Columbia University have been caught in a cycle of contradictions after they illegally occupied Hamilton Hall as reporters questioned the logic behind protesters' demands for food and water.
of Protests escalated dramatically overnight, the group smashed windows and forced entry into the building. Hamas supporters strengthened their position by barricading doors and covering windows, effectively taking control of the academic building.
The occupation began around 3:30 a.m. following a standoff on the university's academic lawn, where protesters set up about 120 tents. The move to attack Hamilton Hall, a central location used by university deans, came shortly after university authorities took steps to suspend those who refused to clear the camps.
Colombian facility staff told of a harrowing experience that he was held against his will by protesters; „They were holding me hostage,“ the worker told The Columbia Spectator after his release.
Protesters laid out clear demands: for Columbia University to withdraw from Israel, increase transparency about its financial partnerships, and grant amnesty to all students who participated in the long-running demonstrations, Fox News report.
Protesters are now barricaded and demanding that the university provide them with essential supplies, such as food and water. They argue that basic needs should be met despite aggressive behavior.
One reporter challenged the protest leader, asking why the university had to respond to the needs of those who illegally occupied its grounds.
„Why is the university obligated to provide food to those who occupied the building?“ the reporter asked.
The reaction of leaders was a mixture of entitlement and confusion, first insisting on obligations through paid meal plans and then scrambling to clarify the nature of the request for „basic humanitarian assistance.“
When reporters pointed out the self-inflicted nature of the situation, the conversation became increasingly chaotic, with protest leaders saying they were not asking for direct assistance, but rather non-interference with outside aid. He denied his previous statements and said this was a commitment they had been seeking from the government. University.
protest leader„Well, first of all, we're saying we have an obligation here to provide meals to students who have paid for the meal plan.“
reporter„But you said there was a request to bring in food and water.“
protest leader: „If I'm not mistaken. Whether we allow it to be brought in or not. I think ultimately it's a question of what kind of community and obligation Columbia University feels towards its students.“ Do you want your students to die of dehydration, starvation, or become seriously ill, even if they disagree with you? If the answer is no, then allow the basics. Should… I mean, it's weird to say this because we're on an Ivy League campus, but this is basic humanitarian aid that we're asking for. Could you please get me a glass of water?“
reporter: „There's no water? But they very deliberately put themselves in that situation, in that position. I mean, they're saying, 'We want to be revolutionaries.' It seems so. We want to feature this building. So, could you please bring me some food and water? ”
protest leader: „No one is asking them to bring anything. We are asking them not to violently block the arrival of basic humanitarian aid.“
As the dialogue continues, leaders' positions become unclear, acknowledging uncertainty over whether attempts to deliver food have been made or thwarted, and it becomes clear that cracks are appearing in the protesters' front. became.
second reporter:Are you stopping food deliveries?
protest leader: We want a commitment from them not to stop it.
second reporter: But haven't you stopped yet?
protest leader: Well… it's not… it's not… I don't know how much it's been tried, but we're looking for commitment.
Investigative reporter Jordan Schachtel was able to identify a Prohamas spokesperson.
“I did a quick search and discovered that this woman, who declined to give her name, was named Johanna King Slutsky. She is a paid lecturer and doctoral candidate at Columbia University. , researching “theories of imagination and poetry interpreted through the lens of Marx.”No, I'm not making this up.'' Schachtel I wrote to X.
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Unreal: Colombian protest leader calls on government to deliver food to rioters who stormed Hamilton Hall
“Do you want your students to die of dehydration and starvation?”
Reporter: „You seem to be saying, 'We want to be revolutionaries, we want to take over this building, now…'“ pic.twitter.com/KTdEpL0rVM
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 30, 2024