Anti-Israel Protesters Cause $3M Damage at City College

Eight protesters were arraigned in Manhattan criminal court after causing significant damage during a demonstration at City College in Upper Manhattan. The incident occurred on April 30, when police intervened to dismantle a protest encampment related to Israel's conflict in Gaza. The demonstrators, some wearing masks and keffiyehs, faced multiple charges, including third-degree burglary and assault, with two individuals accused of attacking public safety officers. The protest escalated into violence, resulting in extensive property damage. A flare thrown by a protester ignited the roof of the administration building, leading to $350,000 in damages. Additional vandalism, including broken windows and furniture, accounted for another $250,000, while $600,000 was spent on repairing surveillance cameras that were spray-painted to avoid detection. The total cost of the damages exceeded $3 million, prompting the City University of New York to implement heightened security measures. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the importance of maintaining safety on campus and indicated a commitment to prosecuting those who engage in illegal activities during protests. The defendants, including a staff member from Guttman College, have not commented publicly on the charges. The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding protests related to international conflicts and the potential for violence to disrupt educational environments.