NYPD clears out Columbia University protesters amid requests for amnesty

Dozens of New York Police Department officers dressed in riot gear entered Columbia University on Tuesday evening, and helped clear out anti-Israel protesters who remained at Hamilton Hall despite pleas from university officials to vacate the premises.

Officers were seen arresting dozens of protesters just outside of the campus by using zip-ties, but the number of arrests has not been confirmed so far. Officers also told students who had come outside of the dorms to see the commotion to go back inside, according to CNN.

An NYPD official said the department received a letter from the university, authorizing their assistance with the protests on Tuesday. It comes after more than 100 students were arrested by the NYPD a couple weeks ago, when the protests began.

The arrests come after Columbia students were told to shelter in place earlier in the day, because of heightened activity at the campus. 

"Shelter in place for your safety due to heightened activity on the Morningside campus," an email from the university's Emergency Management Operations Team said. "Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action. Avoid the area until further notice."

The protesters had intended to occupy the building until their demands were met, including the university's divestment from companies that support Israel and complete amnesty for protestors, according to Fox News, but were all cleared out by Tuesday night.

NYPD said that it has been asked to keep a presence on the campus through May 17, in order to "maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished." The May 17 end date is two days after graduation.