Trump admin task force praises Columbia Univ's handling of anti-Israel library protest

The Department of Health and Human Services' task force on antisemitism is praising acting Columbia University President Claire Shipman for her leadership following anti-Israel protesters taking over a school library Wednesday.

The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism "is encouraged by acting President Shipman's strong and resolute statement regarding the unlawful, violent and disgraceful takeover of Butler Library yesterday," the group said in a statement Thursday. "She has stepped in to lead Columbia at a critical juncture and has met the moment with fortitude and conviction."

The New York Police Department arrested 78 people – who, based on photos, all appeared masked – in connection to the protest.

Shipman authorized the police to enter the library to “assist in securing the building," according to the Columbia Spectator newspaper.

The arrests occurred hours after roughly protesters pushed past a security guard to stage the demonstration.

The task force also praised police officers for their work in getting the situation under control. 

"We are grateful for the public safety officers who acted swiftly, and at a danger to themselves, to secure the library and remove the radical protesters that had seized it," the statement reads.