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Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Columbia students boo university president at graduation over Palestinian activist arrest
Columbia University acting President Claire Shipman faced loud booing and chants of 'Free Mahmoud' at a commencement ceremony on May 20, bringing her speech to a standstill as students expressed outrage over the continued detention of their peer. The scene, captured in posts shared across social media, shows students from Columbia College, an undergraduate school for liberal arts, interrupting Shipman's speech as they called for student activist Mahmoud Khalil to be released. Others can be heard yelling, 'You arrested us,' alluding to the university calling in police to break up student protests. Immigration agents arrested Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, on March 8 in the lobby of his student apartment building in Manhattan. The Department of Homeland Security is trying to deport Khalil, arguing that his pro-Palestinian activism threatens U.S. foreign policy interests. He remains in a detention facility in Louisiana and is scheduled to appear in an immigration court there on May 22. Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee Comans ruled on April 11 that the Trump administration can move forward with efforts to deport Khalil. Khalil's attorneys said they have filed a renewed request with the judge to drop the U.S. government's case, citing new video evidence they say shows that his arrest was illegal. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents initially said they had a warrant in their arrest report, according to Khalil's attorneys. Later, government lawyers acknowledged in a court filing that they did not have a warrant but argued that none was needed because of "exigent circumstances." They wrote that Khalil was a 'flight risk' and that 'it was likely he would escape before they could obtain a warrant.' The surveillance footage and previously released video contradicts that, Khalil's legal team says. The video shows Khalil calmly talking to agents, cooperating and making no attempt to leave. 'The footage released today of Mahmoud Khalil's arrest couldn't be clearer — the Trump administration's claims that Mr. Khalil resisted arrest are false,' said Amol Sinha, executive director at the ACLU of New Jersey. 'His unlawful arrest is a result of deliberate targeting by the federal government in retaliation for his advocacy in support of Palestinian rights.' The video was obtained through a subpoena sent to Columbia University. It supports previous statements and video footage taken by Khalil's wife, Noor Abdalla. Khalil also has a federal lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey that claims his detention violates his constitutional rights of free speech and due process. The case was filed in New Jersey because Khalil was detained there before his transfer to an immigration detention center in Louisiana. A Palestinian who was born and raised in Syria, Khalil has not been accused of any crime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued in a letter to the court, submitted as evidence, that he has the authority to deport noncitizens who harm foreign policy interests even if their beliefs, statements or associations are "otherwise lawful." Rubio also alleged that Khalil participated in "antisemitic protests and disruptive activities" that "undermine U.S. efforts to combat anti-Semitism." Khalil was a student negotiator and spokesman for protesters at Columbia in the spring of 2024, when protests against war in Gaza gripped college campuses. He and his lawyers have disputed allegations of antisemitism. They argue that the Trump administration is attempting to silence criticism of Israel and falsely conflating pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism. Jewish students at Columbia have also written letters to the court saying Khalil had supported them and defended them. Opinion: Why didn't Mahmoud Khalil, detained Columbia graduate student, condemn Hamas? Khalil's case was the first of several high-profile incidents in which pro-Palestinian student activists were detained by immigration authorities and targeted for deportation. Federal judges have freed several of the students on bail, including fellow Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi, who was detained by ICE during a citizenship interview in April. Mahdawi graduated on May 19 receiving a standing ovation as he donned a keffiyeh and flashed peace signs to the crowd. Khalil, who missed the birth of his first child last month, will also miss his commencement ceremony at Columbia on May 21. He completed his master's degree from the School of International and Public Affairs in December. On May 18, Abdalla, his wife, accepted a diploma on his behalf in an alternative 'People's Graduation' ceremony, holding their son, Deen. The ceremony was organized by the People's University for Palestine, a coalition of student organizations advocating for Palestinian rights. Abdalla read out a message from Khalil. "Thank you for holding me in your hearts today. It has been two months since I was taken from my family and from you, detained simply for speaking the truth about Palestine," she read from the statement. "Columbia University, the place where we sought knowledge, justice, and truth, chose silence instead of solidarity. It failed me, but you didn't. You showed up, you reminded me that while institutions may abandon us, the people never will. "I'm endlessly proud to be among you, and I carry your love with me every day," Abdalla read. "Please keep carrying mine.' This article originally appeared on Columbia students interrupt graduation with 'Free Mahmoud' chant
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Columbia students boo university president at graduation over Palestinian activist arrest
Immigration agents arrested Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, on March 8 in the lobby of his student apartment building in Manhattan. The Department of Homeland Security is trying to deport Khalil, arguing that his pro-Palestinian activism threatens U.S. foreign policy interests. He remains in a detention facility in Louisiana and is scheduled to appear in an immigration court there on May 22. Columbia University acting President Claire Shipman faced loud booing and chants of 'Free Mahmoud' at a commencement ceremony on May 20, bringing her speech to a standstill as students expressed outrage over the continued detention of their peer. The scene, captured in posts shared across social media, shows students from Columbia College, an undergraduate school for liberal arts, interrupting Shipman's speech as they called for student activist Mahmoud Khalil to be released. Others can be heard yelling, 'You arrested us,' alluding to the university calling in police to break up student protests. Immigration agents arrested Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, on March 8 in the lobby of his student apartment building in Manhattan. The Department of Homeland Security is trying to deport Khalil, arguing that his pro-Palestinian activism threatens U.S. foreign policy interests. He remains in a detention facility in Louisiana and is scheduled to appear in an immigration court there on May 22. Video of 'illegal' arrest Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee Comans ruled on April 11 that the Trump administration can move forward with efforts to deport Khalil. Khalil's attorneys said they have filed a renewed request with the judge to drop the U.S. government's case, citing new video evidence they say shows that his arrest was illegal. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents initially said they had a warrant in their arrest report, according to Khalil's attorneys. Later, government lawyers acknowledged in a court filing that they did not have a warrant but argued that none was needed because of "exigent circumstances." They wrote that Khalil was a 'flight risk' and that 'it was likely he would escape before they could obtain a warrant.' The surveillance footage and previously released video contradicts that, Khalil's legal team says. The video shows Khalil calmly talking to agents, cooperating and making no attempt to leave. 'The footage released today of Mahmoud Khalil's arrest couldn't be clearer — the Trump administration's claims that Mr. Khalil resisted arrest are false,' said Amol Sinha, executive director at the ACLU of New Jersey. 'His unlawful arrest is a result of deliberate targeting by the federal government in retaliation for his advocacy in support of Palestinian rights.' The video was obtained through a subpoena sent to Columbia University. It supports previous statements and video footage taken by Khalil's wife, Noor Abdalla. Khalil also has a federal lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey that claims his detention violates his constitutional rights of free speech and due process. The case was filed in New Jersey because Khalil was detained there before his transfer to an immigration detention center in Louisiana. U.S. case against Mahmoud Khalil A Palestinian who was born and raised in Syria, Khalil has not been accused of any crime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued in a letter to the court, submitted as evidence, that he has the authority to deport noncitizens who harm foreign policy interests even if their beliefs, statements or associations are "otherwise lawful." Rubio also alleged that Khalil participated in "antisemitic protests and disruptive activities" that "undermine U.S. efforts to combat anti-Semitism." Khalil was a student negotiator and spokesman for protesters at Columbia in the spring of 2024, when protests against war in Gaza gripped college campuses. He and his lawyers have disputed allegations of antisemitism. They argue that the Trump administration is attempting to silence criticism of Israel and falsely conflating pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism. Jewish students at Columbia have also written letters to the court saying Khalil had supported them and defended them. Missing graduation Khalil's case was the first of several high-profile incidents in which pro-Palestinian student activists were detained by immigration authorities and targeted for deportation. Federal judges have freed several of the students on bail, including fellow Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi, who was detained by ICE during a citizenship interview in April. Mahdawi graduated on May 19 receiving a standing ovation as he donned a keffiyeh and flashed peace signs to the crowd. Khalil, who missed the birth of his first child last month, will also miss his commencement ceremony at Columbia on May 21. He completed his master's degree from the School of International and Public Affairs in December. On May 18, Abdalla, his wife, accepted a diploma on his behalf in an alternative 'People's Graduation' ceremony, holding their son, Deen. The ceremony was organized by the People's University for Palestine, a coalition of student organizations advocating for Palestinian rights. Abdalla read out a message from Khalil. "Thank you for holding me in your hearts today. It has been two months since I was taken from my family and from you, detained simply for speaking the truth about Palestine," she read from the statement. "Columbia University, the place where we sought knowledge, justice, and truth, chose silence instead of solidarity. It failed me, but you didn't. You showed up, you reminded me that while institutions may abandon us, the people never will. "I'm endlessly proud to be among you, and I carry your love with me every day," Abdalla read. "Please keep carrying mine.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Students heckle Columbia acting president at graduation, shout 'Free Mahmoud'
Students interrupted Columbia University's graduation ceremony in New York City on Tuesday morning by heckling Acting University President Claire Shipman and shouting, "Free Mahmoud!" Shipman was immediately met with boos when she stepped up to the podium to speak during the Columbia College Class Day ceremony. The crowd continued to heckle Shipman as she spoke about the class facing more trials and hardships than it deserved while proving that it can adapt as things shift quickly. "You've proven that you can adapt as things shift quickly… that you are uncommonly resilient… and that you care profoundly about the world and the people in it," she said, having to restart her sentence several times. Columbia Students Describe 'Shocking' Library Takeover After Masked Protesters Chanted Pro-hamas Slogans Shipman told the students they are all classmates and have formed deep friendships and wonderful relationships. She also pointed out that many of the students have had their differences with one another, but also with Shipman herself. Read On The Fox News App "But at every turn… I'm hearing more and more stories of deep empathy across divides," she said. But as Shipman continued to make her point that the work of the student class' generation will be to define and shape the values of what she eventually called "these interesting times," she was interrupted yet again. The students began to shout, "Free Mahmoud," referring to the accused ringleader of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, Mahmoud Khalil. The chants continued for nearly 30 seconds. Columbia's Acting President Slams Storming Of Campus Library By Anti-israel Agitators: 'Utterly Unacceptable' Shipman stood there and continued to look out at the crowd, while appearing to hold back any ounce of emotion to give the agitators a feeling of accomplishment. Still, once the agitators calmed down, the acting president was able to get through her final points. "The work of your generation will be to define… and shape these interesting times… to define the value and the direction of this century," she said. "It will also be to rebuild trust by reaching out and creating common ground… so that others will follow." Columbia Grads Shred Diplomas Over Mahmoud Khalil Arrest: 'We Are Enraged' Earlier this month, Shipman denounced the occupation of the campus library after more than 100 anti-Israel agitators stormed the building, resulting in dozens of arrests and two university officers getting injured. She issued a statement at the time to the campus community, addressing the hours-long incident at Butler Library, which she described as "utterly unacceptable." A mob of protesters showed up at the library as students were studying for finals, reportedly to rally support for Khalil. They also continued to demand the university divest from Israel. Columbia Students Confront Anti-israel Protesters Who Stormed Classroom With Antisemitic Flyers Columbia's acting president said at the time that she went to the library "as the events were unfolding" and was disappointed with what she saw, including one Columbia public safety officer being wheeled out on a gurney and another being treated for injuries. Shipman also said the reading room at the library was "defaced and damaged in disturbing ways and with disturbing slogans." "Violence and vandalism, hijacking a library—none of that has any place on our campus. These aren't Columbia's values," she said. Shipman, who took over in March following the resignation of the former president and the stepping down of the subsequent interim president, said this behavior will not be tolerated at Columbia. Tuesday's heckling also comes a day after Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi was allowed to walk across a graduation stage and receive his degree from the Ivy League school. The 34-year-old activist, draped in a keffiyeh, smiled as he took the stage. Court documents show Mahdawi was investigated twice in 2015 and 2016 for disturbing and antisemitic comments. In the documents, police allege that Mahdawi told a man, "I like to kill Jews." In another incident, police allege he said he "used to build modified 9mm submachine guns to kill Jews while he was in Palestine." Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this article source: Students heckle Columbia acting president at graduation, shout 'Free Mahmoud'
NBC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Columbia University's acting president heckled with boos and shouts of 'Free Mahmoud' during graduation speech
Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman was met with loud boos and chants of "Free Mahmoud" as she took to the stage at a graduation ceremony Tuesday morning. Social media videos and the school's ceremony recording showed Shipman walking to the lectern to speak at Columbia College's graduation ceremony. The cheers and applause, however, were quickly overshadowed by one minute of loud jeering and clamoring and later chants of "Free Mahmoud!" The chants were in reference to Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student who was detained in March by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his New York City apartment building. "Good morning, class of 2025. I know that many of you feel some amount of frustration with me and I know you feel it with the administration," Shipman said to the graduates on Tuesday, earning another round of boos. "And I know that we have a strong, strong tradition of free speech at this university. And I am always open to feedback, which I am getting right now," Shipman continued, gesturing to the crowd. About 10 minutes later, in her speech, the crowd erupted in chants of "Free Mahmoud." Shipman paused until the chants quieted and continued her speech without acknowledging the shouting. Khalil is a Syrian-born green card holder who helped organize pro-Palestinian rallies on Columbia's campus last year. Since his high-profile arrest, he's been held in a detention center in Louisiana and has been fighting his detention and deportation. His arrest came amid the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign students who are perceived as a threat to U.S. Foreign policy. At the close of Shipman's speech, she was met with another chorus of boos and jeers. The ceremony on Tuesday morning was to honor the class of 2025.
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Maggie Gyllenhaal's daughter, Ramona Sarsgaard, arrested during Columbia protests
Maggie Gyllenhaal's daughter, Ramona Sarsgaard, was arrested during the chaotic anti-Israel protests at Columbia University Wednesday, police sources said. Sarsgaard, 18, who attends Columbia College, was slapped with a desk appearance ticket for criminal trespassing, the sources said. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ramona Sarsgaard Matteo Prandoni/ / Shutterstock Protesters take over the Columbia University library. Obtained by NY Post The actress's daughter was one of nearly 80 agitators arrested while storming the university's Butler Library Wednesday evening as students prepared for final exams. At least two school safety officers were injured in the melee, officials said.
