Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) delivered a stern rebuke to protesters at Columbia University who engaged in destructive behavior, including smashing windows and occupying a university building. Schumer denounced their actions as “lawlessness” and called for consequences beyond a “slap on the wrist.”
Schumer’s comments came after protesters barricaded themselves in Hamilton Hall, prompting university officials to threaten expulsion. The university stated that continued disruptions would be met with “clear consequences.”
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish congressional leader, expressed concern about the targeting of Jewish students and the glorification of Hamas and violent behavior.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), have called for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign, citing weak leadership and an inability to ensure student safety.
Schumer condemns ‘lawlessness’ at Columbia University protests (Credits: Yahoo News)
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also criticized the pro-Palestinian demonstrations, labeling the student radicals as “incoherently ecumenical” and accusing them of radical anti-Semitism. McConnell took aim at the nation’s top universities for showing “weakness and inaction” in addressing the issue.
He praised Princeton University’s handling of campus protests, which included clear prohibitions on encampments and swift action against attempts to occupy buildings. McConnell urged Columbia’s leaders to follow suit, emphasizing that strongly worded warnings must be backed by action.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Credits: The Hill)
Schumer’s comments marked his strongest criticism to date of pro-Palestinian protesters in New York. He warned that campuses cannot be places of learning and discussion when protests turn criminal, and those who commit such acts undermine their cause. Schumer pointed to his landmark speech on antisemitism, which highlighted the rise of hate speech directed toward Jews nationwide.
