Staff Reports
The top police officer from the New York City Police Department, known as the NYPD, spoke up after a Congresswoman criticized the use of police at Columbia University. The Congresswoman, who is a Democrat from New York called Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or AOC for short, said that the NYPD sent in “the most violent” units to the university’s campus. She was upset that the police were called on the students.
The NYPD’s Chief of Patrol, John Chell, disagreed with AOC’s comments. He said that the police were there because Columbia University wanted to enforce their rules on the students. Chell mentioned that he was there with the police units that were called “violent,” and they removed the students with care and professionalism. He also noted that the only bad behavior that day came from the students who were using hateful speech toward the police.
In the response to AOC’s complaints, Chief Chell suggested that she should thank the NYPD instead of criticizing them. He also mentioned that there was no place for hate in society. He pointed out that the pro-Palestine protests on the campus, which were described as threatening to Jewish students, have caused disruptions at the university. The police had to arrest students who were camping out on the campus.
Truly amazing! Columbia decided to hold its students accountable to the laws of the school. They are seeing the consequences of their actions. Something these kids were most likely never taught. Good SAT scores and self-entitlement do not supersede the law. I am sure you would… https://t.co/zKQbjklzks
— NYPD Chief of Patrol (@NYPDChiefPatrol) April 25, 2024
It is important to support law enforcement officers who are working to maintain order and enforce the rules. The police should be thanked for their efforts in keeping the campus safe and dealing with any disruptions caused by protests. It is vital to stand against hateful speech and actions, especially when targeted at law enforcement officers who risk their lives to protect the community.
