New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday deferred to the universities and localities when she was asked whether she was considering sending in the National Guard to respond to on-campus protests at Columbia University and New York University.
“What I've said all along is that we'll ensure the safety of all students, but the primary responsibility falls with the university,” Hochul said.
The New York Police Department has officers stationed outside the university's entrances, but police remain off campus. Officials have said campus grounds are private property, so officers cannot respond unless they are requested or if there is a threat to public safety.
“NYPD has over 36,000 well-trained professionals who have already been engaged, who are available. So, if the NYPD enters into a circumstance that they cannot handle, which I do not ever foresee, we have state police and other resources available,” Hochul said. “But the primary responsibility does fall with the policing agencies where a municipality is or locality is.”
Overnight, dozens of protesters broke in and took over a campus building at Columbia University, barricading the entrances and unfurling a Palestinian flag out a window. The protesters defied a Monday deadline set by the university to clear an on-campus encampment or face disciplinary action.
