Judge dismisses 30 cases of criminal trespass against pro-Palestinian protesters arrested inside Columbia University building

A judge dismissed trespassing cases against 30 people arrested inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall during a pro-Palestinian protest in April.

A New York judge on Thursday dismissed trespassing cases against 30 individuals who were among the dozens arrested inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall during a pro-Palestinian protest in April, with prosecutors citing a lack of evidence. Of the 46 initially arrested, 15 defendants still face charges, the Manhattan district attorney’s office said. Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were accused of unlawfully entering the university’s Hamilton Hall on April 30 and barricading themselves inside before the university asked for assistance from the New York Police Department. After being removed from the building, many were charged with criminal trespass in the third degree, a class B misdemeanor. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at the time he intended to look at each case and make decisions based on facts and the law. In the past, the Manhattan DA’s office has declined to prosecute or deferred prosecution cases where large numbers of people were arrested as part of civil disobedience. During Thursday’s court hearing, Judge Kevin McGrath dismissed 30 cases of trespass against those who have no criminal history. One other defendant previously had their case dismissed, for a total of 31 individuals no longer facing charges. “At the time of the charged conduct, the defendants were either staff employed by, or students enrolled in, Columbia University, and are now subject to student or staff disciplinary proceedings,” according to the Manhattan DA’s news release.