In a recent incident at Columbia University, a group of demonstrators gathered in support of Palestinians during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict claimed they were attacked with a stink bomb.
The New York Police Department is investigating an assault report filed by the protesters who experienced a foul odor, nausea, and headaches during the demonstration.
Columbia University Protests
Despite refusing medical attention at the scene, the incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.
Columbia University’s Department of Public Safety is collaborating with local and federal authorities to investigate multiple reports related to the protest.
A university spokesperson emphasized the importance of reporting and sought the community’s support in providing information to aid the ongoing investigation.
The protesters, including members from Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, allege they were sprayed with a chemical weapon during a “pro-Palestine and anti-genocide” protest.
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Outrage and Investigation Over Pro-Palestine Hate Crime
Describing the attack as a “hate crime,” the Students for Justice in Palestine claimed that several students continued to experience adverse effects hours after the incident.
Notably, both Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace were suspended by the university in November for allegedly violating policies related to unauthorized events that included “threatening rhetoric and intimidation.” The suspension sparked nationwide outrage.
The incident at Columbia University reflects the broader challenges faced by colleges and universities in handling debates surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with protests and investigations occurring nationwide.
The Gaza Strip has witnessed significant casualties, with over 25,000 people killed and 62,000 injured, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
In Israel, at least 1,200 people have been killed and 6,900 injured by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, as reported by the Israeli prime minister’s office. The ongoing conflict continues to fuel tensions and polarize opinions on campuses across the United States.
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