by | May 1, 2024 | Fox News
The New York City Police Department released footage Tuesday night of its raid inside a Columbia University building after being given permission to take it back from anti-Israel agitators.
Hamilton Hall, which was overtaken late Monday night, was cleared at around 11 p.m. Tuesday after a nearly two-hour operation by NYPD officers, most of whom were in riot gear. The encampment on campus was also cleared of agitators, only their tents remained when the raid was over.
Officers moved in on the occupied building at 9 p.m. Tuesday after leadership at Columbia requested their assistance.
“@Columbia has requested our assistance to take back their campus, which has seen disturbing acts of violence, forms of intimidation & destruction of property,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry posted on X.
ANTISEMITIC RIOT AT COLUMBIA REACHES BOILING POINT AS AGITATORS TAKE OVER ACADEMIC BUILDING, BARRICADE DOORS
The footage from the raid showed officers climbing ladders to enter Hamilton Hall through second-floor windows. Once inside the building, short video clips released by the NYPD showed officers moving chairs that were barricading doors and breaking into rooms that were locked.
“@NYPDnews is dispersing the unlawful encampment and persons barricaded inside of university buildings and restoring order,” Daughtry continued on X. “We are in constant communication with university officials. Our priority is and always will be public safety for all.”
Fox News confirmed the NYPD used at least four “distraction devices,” which are typically light-sound devices like flashbangs or a powder charge in a canister, to clear the agitators out of Hamilton Hall. Tear gas was not used, despite local reports.
An arrest total was not available Tuesday night, but police said there was no violence during the raid and there were no injuries reported.
TWO COLUMBIA STUDENTS WHO FACED OFF WITH MOB SPEAK OUT, CLAIM A CAR FULL OF ‘MASKED PEOPLE’ SURVEILLED THEM
A letter from the university Tuesday night defended its decision to call the NYPD for backup in regaining control of Hamilton Hall. In the letter, posted on X by Daughtry, Columbia said the building was taken over after someone hid inside of it until after it was closed with the purpose of occupying the building. That person then let other people inside.
“We believe that while the group who broke into the building involved students, it is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University. The individuals who have occupied Hamilton Hall have vandalized University property and are trespassing,” the letter read in part.
Columbia said due to “serious safety concerns,” it was left with “no choice” other than to seek help from the NYPD after the building was occupied.
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The escalating violence of anti-Israel agitators at Columbia prompted the university to request the NYPD’s presence on campus through at least May 17 – two days past graduation.
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by | May 1, 2024 | Fox News
The Biden administration is considering welcoming certain Palestinians to the U.S. as refugees as they seek to escape war-torn Gaza amid the ongoing war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.
Senior officials across several federal U.S. agencies have discussed in recent weeks the details of potential options to accept Palestinians from Gaza who have immediate family members who are American citizens or permanent U.S. residents, internal federal government documents show, according to CBS News.
One proposal involves using the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to bring Palestinians with U.S. connections who have escaped Gaza and entered neighboring Egypt, the documents reveal.
U.S. officials have also considered welcoming additional Palestinians out of Gaza and are processing them as refugees if they have American relatives, according to the documents. This proposal would have to rely on coordination with Egypt, which has thus far been reluctant to welcome large numbers of people from Gaza.
TOP UN COURT REJECTS REQUEST FOR GERMANY TO HALT MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL
People from Gaza who pass a series of eligibility, medical and security screenings would qualify to be flown to the U.S. with refugee status, which includes permanent residency, resettlement benefits like housing assistance and a path to American citizenship.
The number of people eligible is expected to be relatively small, but the proposed plans could provide a lifeline to some Palestinians seeking to escape the Israel-Hamas war.
This, as the Hamas-run government’s Health Ministry estimates more than 34,000 dead, more than 77,000 injured and hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced in Gaza.
Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,200 people, prompting military retaliation from Israeli forces. Hamas also kidnapped more than 200 people, with many of them still in captivity.
“Since the beginning of the conflict, the United States has helped more than 1,800 American citizens and their families leave Gaza, many of whom have come to the United States,” a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “At President Biden’s direction, we have also helped, and will continue to help, some particularly vulnerable individuals, such as children with serious health problems and children who were receiving treatment for cancer, get out of harm’s way and receive care at nearby hospitals in the region.”
HOUSE REPUBLICANS URGE BIDEN TO PRESS ICC NOT TO CHARGE NETANYAHU, ISRAEL OFFICIALS WITH WAR CRIMES
“The United States also continues to be the largest contributor of humanitarian assistance to Gaza to address the dire conditions, and we are pressing hard to get more urgently-needed aid in to more people as soon as possible,” the spokesperson continued. “We have also been clear and consistent: the United States categorically rejects any actions leading to the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank or the redrawing of the borders of Gaza. The best path forward is to achieve a sustainable cease-fire through a hostage deal that will stabilize the situation and pave the way to a two-state solution.”
The proposals also come after President Biden issued a memorandum on Deferred Enforced Departure in February for certain Palestinians who were already in the U.S.
The plan to bring certain Palestinians to the U.S. as refugees would represent a shift in longstanding U.S. government policy and practice, as the U.S. refugee program has not resettled Palestinians in large numbers since its inception in 1980.
In the past decade, the U.S. has resettled more than 400,000 refugees fleeing violence and war across the world, but less than 600 were Palestinian. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. accepted 56 Palestinian refugees out of the more than 60,000 refugees resettled during that 12 month span, according to data from the State Department.
For applicants to qualify to enter the U.S. as a refugee, they must prove they are fleeing persecution based on certain factors, such as nationality, religion or political views.
The administration’s plans to welcome Palestinian refugees, even if only a small number, could lead to criticism from Republican lawmakers who look to make the illegal immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border a central issue ahead of the November elections.
Shortly after Hamas’ attack against Israel on Oct. 7, top Republicans said the U.S. should not welcome Palestinian refugees, claiming that they are antisemitic and potential national security risks.
The Biden administration in recent years has dramatically increased refugee resettlement. Officials have established a goal of accepting up to 125,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024, which ends at the end of September.
The refugee resettlement was cut to record lows during the Trump administration.
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by | Apr 30, 2024 | Fox News
The 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby was overshadowed by the deaths of 12 horses in the days surrounding the race at the historic track. Two horses died on May 6, 2023 — the same day as last year’s race.
The deaths came at a time when the sport of horse racing traditionally draws the most attention. But, last year’s tragic series of events at Churchill Downs left many in tears and raised questions about the safety of the sport.
“You can’t ever be too safe when it comes to our sport,” jockey Mike Smith, a two-time Derby-winner said.
The number of deaths in the US increased slightly in 2023 from the year before, according to data tracked by the Equine Injury Database and reported by HISA. HISA said there were 1.32 deaths per 1,000 starts last year, up from 1.25 the previous year.
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“We’re encouraged by that progress,” said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA, “but we certainly have a whole lot more work to do.”
BOB BAFFERT-TRAINED HORSE NOT ALLOWED TO RUN IN KENTUCKY DERBY, JUDGE RULES
A review of 14 horse deaths at Saratoga in upstate New York last summer found no definitive cause for why they happened, although heavy rainfall could have contributed.
Investigations by Churchill Downs and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) — the sport’s new governing body — didn’t identify one common cause for the deaths around the Derby.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby will take place on May 4. The deaths prompted Churchill Downs to make several changes to its safety program ahead of Saturday.
The track upgraded equipment used to harrow and grade the dirt surface, with increased testing to measure safety and consistency. The cushion is measured in spots around the track and moisture content is checked throughout racing days to decide the watering schedule.
“The track is a lot different than it was. It’s got more sand in it now, it’s got more base, more cushion,” said Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who saddles Just Steel in the Derby. “It’s quite a bit deeper. Horses are getting over it good.”
Churchill Downs also added an equine safety and integrity veterinarian to help enforce its rules. Fifteen vets from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission joined the track’s vet team to observe horses this week before, during and after training and in their stalls after they arrive.
Jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, track management and vets are members of a new safety management committee. The committee holds meetings on a weekly basis. During the meetings they discuss concerns, and also provide feedback on areas where they see the need for improvement.
All horses racing at Churchill Downs wear StrideSAFE biometric sensors that detect changes in their gaits to help spot inconsistencies or early signs of a potential developing injury. The track installed a PET unit for diagnostic imaging, only the second such machine permanently located at a U.S. racetrack.
HISA took effect in July 2022 to implement national standards for safety at racetracks, replacing the patchwork rules of the 38 racing states. Its antidoping and medication control program didn’t start until late May 2023, after last year’s Derby and Preakness, where one of trainer Bob Baffert’s horses was injured in a race and was euthanized.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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by | Apr 30, 2024 | Fox News
The New York City Police Department released a video showing a professional “protest consultant” who was seen on other social media videos instructing a mob of anti-Israel agitators as they took over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University overnight Monday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke about outside agitators during a press conference Tuesday evening.
“What should have been a peaceful protest, it has basically been co-opted by professional outside agitators. We were extremely cautious about releasing our intel information because our goal was to ensure the safety of the students, the faculty, and without destruction to property,” Adams said. “We have sounded the alarm several times before about external actors who attempted to hijack this private protest.”
Adams and members of his administration shared information about the outside actors who were creating “serious public safety issues” at the protests.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PROTESTS: REP. ELISE STEFANIK URGES TRUSTEES TO REMOVE SHAFIK AFTER MOB SEIZES BUILDING
“These external actors are obviously not students, and their presence on campus is a violation of Columbia’s clearly stated policy,” Adams said. “This group…is an outside agitator with a history of escalating a situation and trying to create chaos. It is our belief they are now actively co-opting what should be a peaceful gathering. This is to serve their own agenda. They are not here to promote peace or unity or allow a peaceful display of one’s voice. They are here to create discord and divisiveness.”
The mayor urged anyone involved to walk away “now.”
During the press conference, police said some of the outside agitators have been known to the NYPD for years, adding that they have seen an escalation in tactics police believe are the result of guidance from outside agitators.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PROTESTS: REP. ELISE STEFANIK CALLS ON BIDEN ADMIN TO DEPORT TERRORIST SUPPORTERS ON VISAS
For example, police are seeing barricades being made out of furniture, cameras being destroyed, de-arresting tactics, property destruction, and signs being used to fortify and create shields.
Police said even though the tactics really became exposed last night at Columbia University, they expect it will continue across universities in New York City and across the country.
In a video shown during the press event, 63-year-old Lisa Fithian is seen watching a group of protesters chant anti-Israel slogans.
“We’re trying to document them being a- -holes,” Lisa Fithian said to the camera person. “You’re right. They are being a – -holes.”
ANTI-ISRAEL MOB AT COLUMBIA REVEALS EXACTLY WHAT THEY WILL TARGET NEXT AFTER TAKING OVER ACADEMIC BUILDING
Fithian is a professional “protest consultant” who has been arrested over 80 times, Laura Ingraham of “The Ingraham Angle” said on her show Tuesday night.
Fithian has reportedly participated in protests on climate change, Occupy Wall Street, and now, the Free Palestine movement.
After midnight Tuesday, Fithian was seen on video instructing a mob of anti-Israel agitators as they took over an academic building at Columbia University.
In one video clip, protesters were seen carrying a table, while in the background, Fithian could be heard saying, “I can’t help with that. You guys can help with that.”
ANTISEMITIC RIOT AT COLUMBIA REACHES BOILING POINT AS AGITATORS TAKE OVER ACADEMIC BUILDING, BARRICADE DOORS
In another clip, the mob was seen attaching a piece of furniture to the door of a building, while Fithian tells people with cameras to move back.
During “The Ingraham Angle” on Tuesday evening, Ingraham spoke with Ira Stoll, the founder and editor of theeditors.com, about Fithian and what she gets out of helping to train the new generation of activists.
“Some of the people involved are being paid money,” Stoll said, explaining he authored an article for The Wall Street Journal recently about how these groups are advertising for fellows to be paid $3,000 to work eight hours a week for three months, on campuses across the U.S. “Some of the people who have been quite prominently in these protests have been paid fellows with hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Soros Open Society Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
“So, there’s big money behind these protests,” Stoll added.
He also spoke about how many of the people at the anti-Israel protests taking place at campuses like Columbia University are the same people who attend Black Lives Matter protests, as well as anti-Trump protests.
“It’s the same people out protesting. I’ve seen them,” Stoll said. “They just like to protest.”
He compared it to people who go out on weekends to play sports or go to religious services.
“This is an activity for these people, and until the revolution is accomplished, they’re not going to stop, or else until they are in jail,” he said.
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by | Apr 30, 2024 | Fox News
Fox News host Laura Ingraham calls out university presidents for allowing “spoiled brats” to take over campuses in her opening monologue Tuesday on “The Ingraham Angle.”
LAURA INGRAHAM: Biden’s spoiled brats. That’s the focus of tonight’s “Angle.” Now, stories of horrible, bratty children indulged by their parents are nothing new. Until children are punished, until they’re made to stop, they’re going to keep misbehaving. Is anyone really surprised that the anti-Israel Columbia brats took over that building on campus last night [and] started ordering pizzas? I mean, I’m surprised at this point they didn’t demand steaks from Peter Luger. They know they’re going to be shielded from any real accountability like they always are.
University presidents today, I mean, are really afraid of them? They don’t know how to lead. Instead, they hide behind their underlings, and they have a lot of underlings, who themselves hide in webinars. Don’t you love webinars? And they talk about finding a path to a resolution through “constructive dialogue.”
…
COLUMBIA PROTESTERS OCCUPY BUILDING AS TRUMP BLAMES BIDEN FOR ANTISEMITIC DEMONSTRATIONS
“Dialogue.” Well, the university today announced that it was going to expel students who didn’t move from the occupied campus facilities, but who believes they’re actually going to follow through on that? Not I. Minouche Shafik, who heads up Columbia, should have been fired long ago. Now, does anyone living and breathing on God’s green Earth really believe she landed her job totally because of objective merit? If she were a White male, would the Board of Trustees even have considered hiring her? And speaking of the Board of Trustees, notice you haven’t heard from any of them.
Some prestigious people, including former Obama DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, David Greenwald, former chairman of Goldman Sachs, Adam Pritzker, cousin of billionaire Illinois Governor JB and a leftist organizer in his own right, and many, many other ultra-liberal types have governing authority at the university as a member of the Board of Trustees. And yet they’re all silent. Talk about profiles in courage. Every time a deadline was set for the brats to disperse, it was ignored and the university just kept extending the deadline until the students decided, what the heck, let’s storm a building! Let’s really make some waves. Look at how real universities handle these left-wing student temper tantrums.
After some pro-Hamas students kicked up a fuss at the University of Florida, the school issued this statement saying, “This is not complicated. The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children. They know the rules. They broke the rules and they’ll face the consequences.” Love it. Now, the coddled, costume-wearing cowards and their REI tents at Columbia are part of Gen Z. They’ve been schooled to believe that emotion trumps knowledge and reason.
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