New York City Mayor Eric Adams took a firm stance on Sunday, voicing his support for the police crackdown on campus protests in the city. These protests have emerged as the central hub for demonstrations across the nation, all in response to the Israel-Hamas war.
“We are committed to safeguarding democracy and the right to protest,” Adams explained to ABC News “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl. “However, it is our duty to intervene when protests escalate into violence. In such cases, we must use the least amount of force necessary to neutralize the perceived threat, based on intelligence gathered and input from school and college authorities.”
Adams explained that the city has witnessed significant police intervention, particularly at Columbia University, as a result of ongoing communication between law enforcement and school authorities.
“We understood the importance of obtaining permission, unless there was an immediate risk to life or significant damage to property,” he explained, specifically referring to Columbia. “We were determined not to exceed our legal jurisdiction.”
When Karl asked Adams about the criticism, including from fellow Democrats, regarding the handling of the protesters, specifically the claims that the response was excessive and inappropriate on school grounds, Adams acknowledged the right to have differing opinions and expressed respect for that. However, he emphasized his duty and responsibility to prioritize the safety of the city.
In a recent statement, Jamaal Bowman, a representative from New York, expressed his concerns regarding the militarization of college campuses. He highlighted the extensive police presence and the alarming number of student arrests, emphasizing that these actions are contradictory to the fundamental role of education in our democratic society.
Adams, however, expressed concerns about the protests, despite the stated intentions of the student organizers to criticize Israel’s government and advocate for the rights of Palestinians.
“There is a growing concern about promoting a specific agenda, and as I repeatedly emphasize, there is a genuine effort to influence our youth,” he expressed. “When we examine the data and the individuals involved, it is crucial that we acknowledge the seriousness of this matter.”
Adams urged universities to proceed with their scheduled graduation ceremonies, despite the arrests and instances of violence that have occurred on campuses. He emphasized that these ceremonies are a “wonderful experience” and should not be overshadowed by the negative incidents.
“We shouldn’t let anything hinder our normal way of life,” he affirmed. “We will fulfill our responsibilities.”
He further emphasized that in the event that the institution chooses to proceed with the graduation ceremony, they will ensure that it is conducted in a peaceful manner, providing a memorable experience for the families of the graduating students.
New York City officials claim that professional “outside agitators” have co-opted the protests, a charge that pro-Palestinian supporters vehemently deny.
When Karl challenged that description, Adams maintained his stance.
According to officials, the ongoing campus protests across the U.S. have led to the arrest of over 2,400 protesters, both affiliated and not affiliated with educational institutions.
According to Adams, when individuals protest within the city, it is considered acceptable. However, if they are on college grounds and do not attend that particular college, they are regarded as outsiders. Furthermore, Adams believes that those who are trained to engage in disruptive activities are considered agitators.
“I’m not attempting to conform to political correctness,” he stated. “My objective is to ensure the safety of the city of New York.”