(NEW YORK) — Protests have broken out at colleges and universities across the country in connection with the war in Gaza.
Many pro-Palestinian protesters are calling for their colleges to divest of funds from Israeli military operations, while some Jewish students on the campuses have called the protests antisemitic and said they are scared for their safety.
The student protests — some of which have turned into around-the-clock encampments — have erupted throughout the nation following arrests and student removals at Columbia University in New York City. Students at schools including Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California and more have launched protests.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
May 03, 10:15 PM
UCLA classes to resume on Monday
The University of California Los Angeles announced classes are “expected to resume in full on Monday,” in an update Friday evening.
“Campus operations will be limited through the weekend, and are expected to resume in full on Monday. Classes continue remote through the weekend. Work, events and research activities are encouraged to remain remote or be rescheduled wherever possible during that period,” UCLA said in a statement.
A law enforcement presence will continue “to be stationed around campus to help promote safety,” the university said.
May 03, 6:09 PM
NYU president explains use of NYPD to end encampment
Linda G. Mills, the president of NYU, posted a statement Friday evening explaining why the school called in the NYPD to break up an encampment on the Greene St. Walkway earlier in the day.
Mills said 14 people who refused orders to leave the area were arrested and the incident was non-violent.
The president said that the police were called in for numerous reasons, including noise complaints from nearby residents and businesses, safety concerns over the crowds of supporters and counter-protesters and escalating threats.
“The encampment had become increasingly untenable for the NYU community and the neighborhood we inhabit,” she said.
Mills said three senior administrators spoke with the protesters over the weekend to come to an agreement over shutting down the encampment.
The president said things escalated on Wednesday when a group of people from a May Day march came to the walkway and got into altercations.
The May Day incident and other issues, including threats leveled at NYU administrators, led the school to call the NYPD, according to Mills.
“The university’s senior leadership and I were compelled to conclude that we could not tolerate the risk of violence any longer and that we could not responsibly or in good conscience wait until something drastically worse were to happen in order to act. We needed to bring this to a close,” she said.
May 03, 2:44 PM
University of Mississippi protest confrontation draws scrutiny
Footage from the University of Mississippi campus captures intense confrontations between pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters.
The dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on the campus to call for divestment from military operations in Gaza and for the university to condemn what they call “genocide.”
Footage shows a much larger counter-protest surrounding the students, with many donning American flags.
Protesters reported being subject to racism and violent threats and having food thrown at them by counter-protesters.
In one video, a Black protester can be seen recording and speaking to counter-protesters, moving past the protective barricades around pro-Palestinian protesters.
Law enforcement officers can be seen urging her to walk back as counter-demonstrators taunt her, including on student making a monkey impersonation and others chanting “lock her up,” according to the Stacey Spiehler, who took the video.
Law enforcement also urged counter-protesters to stand back.
Jacob Batte, Ole Miss’ director of news and media relations, told ABC News they “cannot comment specifically about that video,” but that “statements were made at the demonstration on our campus Thursday that were offensive and inappropriate.”
The university said it is looking into reports about specific actions and “any actions that violate university policy will be met with appropriate action.”
In a statement following the confrontations, protesters said they were met with “blind reactionism that had little to do with the genocide we were protesting as well as our demands.”
-ABC News’ Chris Looft and Kiara Alfonseca
May 03, 12:32 PM
NYPD sergeant accidentally discharged gun during Columbia building operation
An officer accidentally discharged his gun as the New York Police Department worked to clear Hamilton Hall — a building that had been occupied by Columbia University students on April 30, Assistant Chief Carlos Valdez, the commanding officer of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit, said Friday.
During the operation, a sergeant unintentionally discharged his firearm while attempting to gain access to an office.
“The sergeant was transitioning his firearm to his non-dominant hand to unlock the office door from the inside when the discharge occurred,” Valdez said.
There were no injuries and the bullet was contained within the vacant office. Valdes said that at no point were police officers, members of the public or protesters in danger.
“This was purely unintentional,” he said.
May 03, 12:03 PM
New York University, New School explain decision to remove, arrest students
New York University and New School, in separate statements, said they requested police move students from their campuses after multiple rounds of negotiations failed.
NYU said the “encampment had become increasingly untenable for the NYU community and the neighborhood we inhabit.” Classes will proceed as normal today.
NYU said it is aware of calls for a 4 p.m. protest at the former site of the encampment.
The New School, which switched to remote learning Friday, said students continued to set up in the lobby of the University Center building and block access to the “residence hall, classrooms, library, and cafeteria.”
Despite the university “pleading to allow their fellow students to enter their residence hall, the protesters would not budge.”
The New School said the protests continued even after they “provided a confirmed date this month for the Investment Committee to consider a vote on disinvestment.”
“It is a sad day for all of us who are part of this university community and who believe in free speech, which we have pledged to protect and will continue to protect,” The New School said in a statement.
May 03, 8:49 AM
56 people arrested at New School, NYU
Fifty-six people have been arrested at The New School and New York University after the schools authorized police to clear encampments, according to the New York Police Department.
Forty-three people were arrested at The New School and 13 people where arrested at NYU, the NYPD said.
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky
May 03, 6:48 AM
NYU has authorized NYPD to clear encampment
NYU has requested assistance from the NYPD to “disperse the illegal encampment on their property.”
“As per their request, we are on site and our officers will be assisting with the unparalleled professionalism embodied by our police officers,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry, said in a statement on social media.
May 03, 2:07 AM
30 arrested at Portland State University throughout the day: Police
Portland police say that at least 30 people have been arrested over their involvement in ongoing protests at Portland State University.
“Additional arrests have been made at PSU’s library after trespassers illegally entered the building again despite efforts to secure it,” police said in their statement. “Preliminary count is 30 arrests over the course of the day. Officers will continue to monitor for criminal activity and will make arrests when lawful and appropriate.”
Authorities say that officers encountered acts of vandalism, and one suspect deployed a fire extinguisher at an officer during an altercation.
“Seven officers suffered injuries, the most serious was a knee injury that required ambulance transport to the hospital. Other injuries are still being assessed or were minor,” Portland police said.
The identities of those arrested will be released once a full list has been completed.
May 03, 1:55 AM
USC says arrested student protesters will be referred to ‘disciplinary process’
USC has sent an email to the arrested protesters on Thursday evening warning that any student protesters who have been arrested for their “alleged conduct” of criminal trespassing on April 24 will be “referred to the University’s disciplinary process.”
“Please be aware that any further violation of university policies – including but not limited to the university’s policies against camping, amplified sound, defying DPS directives, vandalism, harassments, bullying, and theft of property – will result in further discipline up to expulsion as well as an immediate ban from campus,” the email obtained by ABC News said.
May 02, 11:22 PM
7 additional protesters arrested at Portland State University: Police
The Portland Police Bureau announced seven additional arrests were made Thursday evening amid ongoing protests at Portland State University.
The seven arrests came a couple of hours after PPB announced 22 people had been arrested on Thursday, bringing the total to 29 people arrested on Thursday.
PPB said the seven arrests were from “trespassers” breaking “back into the library” by pulling the fence down.
“Arrests have also been made for people refusing to leave the park block at the library,” the bureau said in an update on X late Thursday evening.
May 02, 1:03 PM
Photos show the aftermath of police clearing encampment at UCLA
Photos taken Thursday show the aftermath of police clearing a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA where at least 132 people were arrested.
May 02, 12:52 PM
2 arrests made as police empty library occupied by Portland State University protesters
Portland police have arrested two people outside the Portland State University campus library, as they move to clear the building, which was occupied by protesters. Police said they encountered “barricades” as they entered the building.
Individuals remaining in the building are under arrest for second-degree trespassing, police announced Thursday. The area surrounding the library has been closed off.
Police also warned that anyone resisting arrest could have force used against them and be subject to more criminal charges.
May 02, 11:34 AM
Biden says free speech and rule of law ‘must be upheld’
President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday saying that free speech and the rule of law must both be upheld.
“We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent, the American people are heard. In fact, peaceful protest is the best tradition of how Americans respond to controversial issues,” Biden said, speaking from the White House.
But, he condemned the destruction of property, shutting down campuses and forcing the cancelation of classes and graduation, saying it isn’t peaceful protest.
“Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder or to denying the rights of others so students can finish the semester and their college education,” Biden said.
Biden last commented on college protests on April 22 — before there was an escalation of suspension and arrests at campuses across the country — at the time condemning antisemitic actions and those who don’t understand the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, a message he reiterated Thursday.
“There is no place for hate speech or violence of any kind whether it’s anti-Semitism, islamophobia or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans. It’s simply wrong. There’s no place for racism in America,” Biden said.
May 02, 11:22 AM
Biden says protests have not pushed him to reconsider policies
President Joe Biden, making his first remarks on the surge in protests on college campuses, said the protests have not pushed him to reconsider his policies in the region.
“Mr. President, have the protests forced you to reconsider our policies?” a reporter asked Biden Thursday.
“No,” Biden said, before walking away from the podium.
May 02, 10:53 AM
At least 132 arrested at UCLA protests
At least 132 people were arrested on Thursday in protests at UCLA according to California Highway Patrol.
May 02, 10:32 AM
More than 70% of Columbia protesters arrested Tuesday were affiliated with university: NYPD
Thirty-two of the people arrested at Columbia University on Tuesday were not affiliated with the school, while 80 people were affiliated, based on a preliminary background analysis by the New York Police Department.
At City College of New York, 102 people arrested Tuesday night were not affiliated with the university, while 68 people were affiliated, based on the NYPD analysis.
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky
May 02, 10:23 AM
University of Minnesota strikes agreement to end encampment
The University of Minnesota has reached an agreement to end the student-led encampment on campus.
The university will reopen previously closed buildings and the student coalition has pledged not to organize disruptions during final exams and the commencement ceremony.
Representatives of the student coalition will be given the opportunity to address the Board of Regents at its May 10 meeting over its call for a divestment, students will receive amnesty for their encampment, and the university will also explore an affiliation with Palestinian universities, hosting scholars at risk.
“Our meetings have been grounded in listening, learning, and respect, and I believe they were a very positive first step in reaching mutual understanding. Though the original meeting was scheduled for 30 minutes yesterday, we engaged in constructive conversation for more than 90 minutes. We then met two more times to discuss the proposed agreements,” University of Minnesota interim President Jeff Ettinger said in a statement.
“We regret that these meetings did not happen sooner, and have committed to regular meetings moving forward to continue to discuss this coalition’s concerns,” Ettinger said.
Ettinger also highlighted that the university supports freedom of expression as a fundamental part of its mission.
“While we do not condone tactics that are outside of our policies, we appreciate student leaders’ willingness to engage in dialogue. I value the challenging and healthy conversations we’ve had,” Ettinger said
May 02, 7:33 AM
Police begin arresting UCLA protesters
Officers began arresting protesters on the University of California Los Angeles campus early Thursday, detaining some with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.
Those who were detained appeared to have been moving willingly with officers, ABC News station KABC-TV reported.
As law enforcement moved into the encampment, some of the protesters began chanting, repeating the phrase “Shame on you” in chorus.
May 02, 6:50 AM
UCLA issues evacuation order as police confront protesters
UCLA officials issued an evacuation order for all protesters in the area of Royce Quad, saying the encampment was “unlawful.”
Smoke billowed around law enforcement officials as they began breaking through the barricades on the campus encampment. It was not immediately clear whether the smoke had been dispersed by the police or the protesters.
The encampment in Dickson Plaza, along with all unauthorized tents and structures, had been declared “unlawful,” campus public safety officials said in an alert.
“The University requires that everyone must leave the encampment and adjacent areas, as well as all unauthorized structures and tents immediately, until further notice,” the alert said.
May 02, 6:24 AM
Highway Patrol officers in riot gear enter UCLA campus
California Highway Patrol officers in riot gear streamed early Thursday onto the University of California Los Angeles campus.
The officers were met by a wall of protesters, who appeared unwilling to move. Officials had earlier ordered protesters to abandon their encampment.
Officers were working to tear down barricades of plywood boards that been erected along some of the edges of that encampment.
Los Angeles Police Department officers had earlier retreated from the encampment. At one point, LAPD and protesters briefly scuffled as officers made their way out of the encampment.
May 02, 5:37 AM
90 arrested at Dartmouth protest, police say
At least 90 people were arrested Wednesday during a protest on the campus of Dartmouth University, local police said.
The people who were arrested included both students and non-students, Hanover Police Department said in a statement released Thursday. Charges included criminal trespass and resisting arrest, police said.
Ahead of Wednesday’s planned protest, campus security had warned demonstrators that tents or encampments wouldn’t be allowed.
“Once tents were erected, Dartmouth Safety & Security made multiple announcements to participants that they must dispel, and they refused,” Charles B. Dennis, Hanover’s chief of police, said in a media release.
Hanover police and the New Hampshire State Police continued with “multiple” announcements, but some protesters refused to disperse, he said.
May 01, 10:29 PM
UCLA announces remote classes through the end of the week
UCLA’s public safety department said in an alert Wednesday night that all on campus classes were “required to pivot to remote” through the end of the week.
The announcement comes after overnight protests turned violent, injuring 15 and sending one person to the hospital, university officials previously confirmed.
Campus operations will be limited on Thursday and Friday, the public safety department said in its evening update.
“We have a large law enforcement presence stationed throughout campus to help promote safety,” the department said. “Student Affairs will have essential staff on campus to support our students.”
May 01, 11:05 PM
UCLA police declare encampment is an ‘unlawful gathering,’ order demonstrators to leave
Police at UCLA have announced to the gathered crowd that the encampment on campus is an “unlawful gathering.”
Demonstrators have been ordered to leave by the LAPD, according to KABC 7.
UCLA is broadcasting a message of its own, telling protesters to disperse. The message, which appears to be recorded, says those who don’t leave will be subject to administrative action.
May 01, 8:56 PM
‘This is just the beginning’: Columbia and CUNY students vow to keep ‘fighting’
During a press conference on Wednesday evening, student protestors from Columbia University and City University of New York responded to the intervention of the NYPD to dismantle encampments and suspend and arrest hundreds of protesters across both universities last night and today.
“We will not stop fighting. This is just the beginning,” Cameron Jones of Columbia’s Justice for Palestine chapter said.
Corinna Mullin, a member of CUNY faculty, joined the press conference and called the students “brave” and said that the administration’s actions against its own students was “shameful.”
The students from Columbia and CUNY vowed to continue their efforts, saying, “The more they will try to silence us, the louder we will be.”
May 01, 8:08 PM
NYPD arrests 15 people for misdemeanor trespassing at Fordham University
After authorizing NYPD officers to move on the Fordham University to clear an “unlawful encampment” in a campus building on Wednesday, the institution said 15 individuals were arrested for misdemeanor trespassing.
In a statement Wednesday evening, Fordham University said several dozens of people pushed inside the lobby of the Lowenstein building and set up tents.
Most individuals left the encampment after “threats of conduct sanctions” but the remaining 15 people were arrested, according to the statement, which notes, “We believe some of those were Fordham students.”
“We met with student leaders as recently as yesterday, readily agreeing to allow them to present their case about divestment and transparency to trustees and our chief investment officer,” the university said, adding, “We remain committed to that process.”
May 01, 7:54 PM
Why LAPD did not intervene in violent UCLA protests sooner: Sources
The LAPD and California Highway Patrol are facing backlash over not intervening in the UCLA protests sooner, as violence broke out overnight, however, law enforcement sources told ABC News the hesitancy came from jurisdiction over the campus.
The LAPD and CHP don’t have jurisdiction over UCLA and cannot unilaterally race in because UCLA has its own full-fledged police department and dispatch center, sources said.
The delay, as described by sources, was due to UCLA and its police department not authorizing a response.
UCLA’s limited police force was overwhelmed and tried to deal with the protest internally, according to sources, until the call to the LAPD and CHP was eventually made.
The protests led to 15 injuries, including one hospitalization, according to officials.
May 01, 6:57 PM
‘These were not peaceful protesters’: Columbia official addresses 202 arrests
In a press briefing Wednesday, Ben Chang, a Columbia University spokesperson, addressed the over 200 arrests made Tuesday evening, stemming from the ongoing protests.
The NYPD confirmed that the arrests from last night numbered 202, with 109 being from Columbia University.
“These were not peaceful protesters,” Chang said. “I surveyed the damage myself, and as the president has indicated, severe damage was inflicted on that building.”
In response to the disruptions, Chang said the university leadership, backed by the trustees, decided to call in the NYPD to help restore order.
Academic activities at Columbia will continue remotely for the remainder of the semester, according to Chang, who noted, the university is making adjustments to ensure that final exams and assessments proceed smoothly.
-ABC News’ Jason Volack
May 01, 6:38 PM
Fordham requests NYPD disperse encampment in campus building
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said Fordham University requested NYPD assistance in clearing an “unlawful encampment of individuals inside one of their buildings,” in a statement posted to X on Wednesday.
Daughtry said individuals who refused to disperse from the encampment were placed inside a building at Fordham under arrest.
May 01, 6:39 PM
Los Angeles Mayor condemns ‘absolutely detestable violence’ at UCLA protest
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the protests that turned violent overnight at UCLA in a statement Wednesday, saying she met with Los Angeles police, sheriffs and other agencies.
“This morning, I met in person with LAPD, LASD, CHP, CalOES, UCPD and other regional agencies at the UCLA incident command post about the absolutely detestable violence on campus last night,” Bass said.
Bass warned that any demonstrator involved in “launching fireworks at other people, spraying chemicals and physically assaulting others will be found, arrested, and prosecuted, as well as anyone involved in any form of violence or lawlessness.”
The mayor noted that she’s spoken to California Governor Gavin Newsom and thanked him for “his continued support.”
May 01, 6:08 PM
‘Student’s blood on my hands’: UCLA faculty member recounts violent overnight protest
The day after protests turned violent at UCLA, faculty members held a conference addressing the protests and the university’s response.
“Last night I went to bed at around 4:00 a.m. with student’s blood on my hands and I’m not speaking figuratively,” UCLA Assistant Professor Nicholas Shapiro said. “I mean, a student collapsed into my hands with blunt force trauma and mace in their eyes, and I had to treat them.”
The protests led to 15 injuries, including one hospitalization, according to officials.
“This is a failure of our institution and we need to put a stop to it today,” Shapiro said.
UCLA Associate Professor Bharat Venkat also addressed the violent scene on campus, saying, “It felt like walking through a war zone.”
“They’re screaming, they’re crying,” Venkat said of the student demonstrators. “They’re having a difficult time breathing. This shouldn’t be happening anywhere and this shouldn’t be happening here at UCLA.”
May 01, 5:39 PM
University of California President orders independent review of overnight violence at UCLA
University of California President Michael V. Drake addressed the ongoing protests at UCLA that “turned violent” overnight, announcing in a statement on Wednesday an “independent external review” has been ordered.
The university summoned mutual aid from LAPD officers to “restore control” to the protest, according to Drake, who noted, there were 15 injuries, including one hospitalization, that stemmed from the protest.
“My office has requested a detailed accounting from the campus about what transpired in the early morning hours today,” Drake said.
“But some confusion remains, therefore we are also ordering an independent external review of both UCLA’s planning and actions, and the effectiveness of the mutual aid response,” Drake said.
May 01, 4:42 PM
170 of protesters arrested at Columbia and City College receive summonses
Of the approximately 280 arrests at Columbia University and City College, 170 are summonses, while the remaining people will receive desk appearance tickets or will work through the court system, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Each case would be evaluated individually, including a review of body camera footage and other evidence, Bragg said. But, he did not reveal how many of those arrested were affiliated with the colleges and how many were outside agitators.
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky
May 01, 2:25 PM
Columbia to hold final exams remotely
Columbia University announced final exams will be held remotely amid a tense campus climate, according to a letter sent out by the university’s provost.
“In order to address the concerns of our members in an evolving campus environment, all academic activities for schools on the Morningside Heights campus will be fully remote for the remainder of the semester (with carve-outs noted below). Any remaining class meetings, review sessions, or office hours should be held fully remotely, and all final exams and other final assessments should be fully remote,” Columbia said in a statement.
All final exams scheduled for Friday will be automatically rescheduled for May 10.
May 01, 2:11 PM
34 arrested at University of Wisconsin-Madison
A total of 34 people were arrested while emptying a pro-Palestinian encampment at University of Wisconsin-Madison Wednesday, the university said.
The majority of those arrested have been released with no citation issued, but four people have been booked, according to the university. The charges they are facing include attempted disarming a police officer, resisting arrest, attempted escape and battery to a police officer.
May 01, 12:31 PM
4 police officers injured as University of Wisconsin-Madison empties encampment
Four police officers were injured at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where police were dispersing an encampment of protesters on the Library Mall.
Three of the four officers sustained injuries “directly related to the physical resistance,” according to the university. A state trooper sustained injuries when a protester allegedly “struck their head with a skateboard.”
May 01, 12:13 PM
‘I’m sorry we reached this point,’ Columbia president says
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said that tensions on campus had “rose to new heights” when a group of protesters broke into Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves. Shafik said it pushed the university “to the brink,” according to a letter sent to the Columbia University community Wednesday.
“I know I speak for many members of our community in saying that this turn of events has filled me with deep sadness. I am sorry we reached this point,” Shafik said.
The NYPD said it arrested 119 people at Columbia Tuesday night, but it has not yet revealed how many of those arrested are students.
“The University offered to consider new proposals on divestment and shareholder activism, to review access to our dual degree programs and global centers, to reaffirm our commitment to free speech, and to launch educational and health programs in Gaza and the West Bank. Some other universities have achieved agreement on similar proposals. Our efforts to find a solution went into Tuesday evening, but regrettably, we were unable to come to resolution,” Shafik said.
Negotiations broke down between the university and members of the encampment after Columbia refused to divest from companies linked to Israel and the war in Gaza.
May 01, 11:39 AM
UCLA cancels all classes due to ‘violence’ overnight
The University of California, Los Angeles announced that it will cancel all Wednesday classes due to the “distress caused by the violence that took place on Royce Quad” overnight, according to a statement from the university.
The hospital and health system, the Luskin Conference Center and PreK through 12 schools will remain open.
“We have law enforcement presence stationed throughout campus to help promote safety. Student Affairs will have essential staff on campus to support our students who have been impacted by this tragedy,” UCLA said in a statement.
May 01, 11:34 AM
12 arrested at University of Wisconsin-Madison as it empties encampment
At least 12 people have been arrested at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as campus police moved to disperse an encampment of protesters. About 100 to 200 people had arrived for a demonstration Monday and began putting up tents.
The University of Wisconsin said several people resisted arrest, but it is not yet clear how many of the arrested are affiliated with the university.
Several tents have been taken down and dissembled.
“Tents and camping are not allowed on any university property under Chapter 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which defines the types of activities permitted on campus, information which was shared to all members of the campus community on Friday,” the university said in a statement.
May 01, 10:40 AM
People who occupied Columbia building were led by people unaffiliated with school, NYPD says
The mayor said those who occupied Hamilton Hall were led by people unaffiliated with Columbia University.
Those protesters made a change to more aggressive tactics and represented an “elevated concern,” Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, said Wednesday.
“The situation had deteriorated to the point where the safety of students, staff and the public was at risk,” Police Commissioner Edward Caban said.
There were 282 arrests on a range of mainly minor offenses — 173 at City College and 119 at Columbia.
“It was a tough decision,” Adams said, of the university authorizing the NYPD to move onto campus. “The action had to end and we brought it to a peaceful conclusion.”
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky
May 01, 10:07 AM
New York officials say outside individuals hijacked Columbia protests
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Police Department officials told reporters that protesters at Columbia University were being influenced by outside individuals, part of a movement “globally” to “radicalize young people”
“Students have a right to protest and free speech is the cornerstone of our society. But as our major concern we knew and we saw that there were those who were never concerned about free speech. They were concerned about chaos. It was about external actors hijacking peaceful protests influence students to escalate,” Adams said.
“You don’t have to be a majority to influence and co-opt an operation,” Adams said.
May 01, 9:40 AM
300 arrested at Columbia and City College, Adams says
About 300 people were arrested at Columbia University and City College Tuesday night, New York Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday.
“We are processing the arrests to distinguish between who were actually students and who were not supposed to be on the grounds,” Adams said.
“It was led by individuals who are not affiliated with the university. The school needed the NYPD assistance to clear Hamilton Hall at the encampments outside of dual operations on the grounds that took place successfully,” Adams said.
May 01, 6:49 AM
Campus police deploy ‘chemical irritant’ at University of Arizona
Campus police officers at the University of Arizona in Tucson shot “chemical irritant” munitions at a gathering of protesters early Wednesday, the department said.
The university’s president, Robert C. Robbins, had asked the campus police and school officials to “immediately enforce campus use policies and all corresponding laws,” according to a statement from his office.
The Tucson Police Department and other law enforcement agencies also responded to campus, the university said.
Campus officers closed several blocks of Park Avenue as they responded to the “unlawful assembly,” the department said.
Video appeared to show police handcuffing individuals on the ground and protesters forming a human chain facing officers.
“Police deploying chemical irritant munitions,” the department said amid a series of updates on social media. “Follow orders of police and disperse immediately. Avoid the area of University Blvd & Park Ave.”
May 01, 6:07 AM
UCLA officials ‘sickened’ by violence on campus, chancellor says
As groups of counter-protesters clashed with Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the UCLA campus early Wednesday, a university official said staff were “sickened” by the violence.
“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support,” Mary Osaka, a vice chancellor, said in a statement.
Osaka aded that the fire department and medical responders were near the scene.
“We are sickened by this senseless violence and it must end,” she said.
May 01, 6:05 AM
At least 100 arrested at two NY campuses, NYPD says
The New York Police Department made at least 100 arrests overnight, with most at Columbia University. Arrests were also made at City College of New York, officials said.
Many of those taken into custody are still being processed at police headquarters.
May 01, 5:32 AM
Protesters clash on UCLA campus, LAPD responds
Clashes between opposing groups of protesters at the University of California Los Angeles included “multiple acts of violence,” prompting university officials to ask police to enter the campus, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Officers responded to assist campus police “to restore order and maintain public safety,” the LAPD said.
State and local politicians said they were monitoring the situation, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass calling the violence “absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said his office had been in contact with law enforcement leadership.
May 01, 2:38 AM
Police confront CUNY protesters, arrest 25, university says
At least 25 people were arrested at CUNY’s City College of New York campus as police confronted protesters early Wednesday, the university said in a statement.
University officials said they asked the New York Police Department for assistance in clearing protesters, including a “large crowd” of people who had marched from Columbia University to City College.
The school described a “series of violent indents” that it said put public safety at risk over the last six days.
“This includes a fire Sunday night at the Marshak Science Building caused by use of a flare gun that brought FDNY to campus, clashes with public safety, an attempted break-in at Shepard Hall tonight, and a break-in at the Administration Building tonight that included the vandalizing of offices and smashing glass doors,” the university said in a press release early Wednesday.
Police entered the campus just before midnight and began making arrests, the university said.
“Students have a right to demonstrate peacefully and exercise their First Amendment rights,” the university said. “Tonight’s actions were taken in response to specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism, not in response to peaceful protest”
May 01, 12:55 AM
Columbia restricts Morningside campus to on-campus student residents, certain employees
After Columbia University was cleared of encamped protesters Tuesday night, the school said it its Morningside campus was immediately restricted to students who live there and workers providing essential services.
“Effective immediately, access to the Morningside campus has been limited to students residing in residential buildings on campus (Carman, Furnald, John Jay, Hartley, Wallach, East Campus and Wien) and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings, labs and residential student life (for example, Dining, Public Safety, and building maintenance staff). There is no additional access to the Morningside campus,” the notification read.
The university said the restrictions would stay in place “until circumstances allow otherwise.”
May 01, 12:46 AM
NYPD officers move on to City College of New York campus
NYPD officers entered the campus of the City College of New York late Tuesday night.
“As requested by the university, we are currently on campus to assist the university in dispersing those trespassing,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, said in a post on X, sharing video of the police moving in.
In a note to the campus community, university president Vince Boudreau, said protests on campus presented “heightened challenges.”
“Most importantly, this is not primarily a CCNY demonstration, and perhaps not primarily a CUNY demonstration. The significant inclusion of un-affiliated external individuals means that we don’t have established connections to them,” Boudreau’s letter read.
He continued: “Specifically, this demonstration has been more contentious and violent than anything we’ve seen on campus before. Today, we distributed a letter to members of the encampment detailing specific examples of threats to the safety of people within and outside the encampment, so that all of them understand the full scope of the activity. We also want all of them, and those of you reading this note, to understand that in no way does our response to this particular and extraordinary threat overwrite our more fundamental commitments to free speech, academic freedom, or the right to peacefully protest that comply with CCNY and CUNY regulations.”
Boudreau said the encamped demonstrators were told to take down their encampment and follow CUNY guidelines for “future activities.”
The university president also said classes would be remote on Wednesday due to the situation on campus.
May 01, 12:16 AM
Columbia details backstory on Hamilton Hall takeover
In a letter authorizing the NYPD to enter the Columbia University campus and break up the protest, the school detailed the backstory on its recent talks with those in the encampments and the takeover Tuesday night of Hamilton Hall.
According to the letter, from Columbia President Minouche Shafik, an individual “hid in the building” at Hamilton Hall until it was closed and let others in. The group’s purpose was “occupying the building,” the letter read.
Two security guards were inside the building at the time, and the university said in the letter to the NYPD they were able to “secure their release.”
“We believe that while the group who broke into the building includes students, it is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University,” the letter read. “The individuals who have occupied Hamilton Hall have vandalized University property and are trespassing.”
Addressing the encampment on the school’s Morningside campus, the university told police discussions had been carried out with group representatives, but on Sunday, they “reached an impasse.”
At that time, the university says it told the group they did not have permission to “occupy spaces on campus” and were “in violation” of school rules and policies.
On Monday morning, the protesters were told they would be suspended if they didn’t disperse by Monday at 2 p.m. ET.
The university said in its Tuesday night NYPD letter that those in the encampment were “suspended” and “not authorized to be on University property and are trespassing.”
The university said it believed the actions of those in the protest were escalating.
“These activities have become a magnet for protesters outside our gates which creates significant risk to our campus and disrupts the ability of the University to continue normal operations,” the letter read.
Columbia’s president concluded the letter by asking the NYPD to “help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments.”
She further asked police to have a campus presence through May 17 — graduation is May 15 — “to maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished.”
Police moved onto the Columbia University campus a little before 9 p.m. ET and began making arrests.
The NYPD also used a vehicle with an extendable roof ramp to help officers breach Hamilton Hall from an upper floor. From there, the police cleared the building.
The campus encampment and hall were cleared before 11:30 p.m.
Apr 30, 11:24 PM
NYPD says Hamilton Hall, encampment cleared at Columbia
The NYPD said Tuesday night that Hamilton Hall and the encampment have been cleared.
In a short media briefing, the NYPD said the only thing that remains are the tents at the encampment, which the university will clear.
No injuries have been reported, the NYPD said.
An official also said no tear gas was deployed Tuesday night.
Apr 30, 11:20 PM
Nearly 50 arrests so far at Columbia: Police sources
There have been about four dozen arrests so far by the NYPD at Columbia University, according to police sources.
The first bus of protesters apprehended by police just left the campus area.
Apr 30, 10:18 PM
Police head toward encampments after clearing a fortified Hamilton Hall
Police officers were met with a heavily fortified building when they entered Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night, sources told ABC News.
There have been a number of arrests, however no specific number was immediately available.
With the situation at Hamilton Hall believed to be contained, a number of officers are making their way from building to tent encampments.
Apr 30, 10:08 PM
Columbia asks NYPD to ‘retain a presence’ through May 17
Columbia University has asked the NYPD to “retain a presence on campus through at least May 17.”
The request came in the letter the university sent to the NYPD Tuesday night, allowing them to move onto campus grounds.
Apr 30, 9:55 PM
Columbia on authorizing NYPD to go on campus: ‘We were left with no choice’
Columbia University has released a statement addressing its authorization to allow the NYPD on campus, saying the decision was “made to restore safety and order to our community.”
In its statement, the university said after they learned protesters had entered Hamilton Hall last night and “occupied, vandalized, and blockaded” it, they were left with “no choice” but to allow the police in. The university also said in a statement that they believe “that the group that broke into and occupied the building is led by individuals who are not affiliated with the University.”
“Columbia public safety personnel were forced out of the building, and a member of our facilities team was threatened. We will not risk the safety of our community or the potential for further escalation,” the university’s statement continued.
The university said in its statement the NYPD’s presence is about the “actions of the protestors, not the cause they are championing.”
“We have made it clear that the life of campus cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules and the law,” the statement read.
Apr 30, 9:46 PM
NYPD expected to charge Hamilton Hall protesters with burglary, criminal mischief
Ahead of the move into Columbia University Tuesday evening, NYPD officials detailed what charges arrested protestors will face.
“For the individuals that are inside of Hamilton Hall they will be charged with burglary in a third degree, criminal mischief, and trespassing. For the individuals that are in the encampments outside they will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct,” NYPD officials said.
Apr 30, 9:32 PM
NYPD officers have entered Hamilton Hall through second-floor window
New York Police Department officers have entered Hamilton Hall through the second-floor window.
Apr 30, 11:14 PM
NYPD moves in at Columbia, begins making arrests
New York Police Department officers have moved onto the Columbia University campus and have begun making arrests.
Apr 30, 8:50 PM
Columbia authorizes NYPD to move onto campus
New York City has received authorization from Columbia University to send the NYPD onto campus, a senior city official told ABC News.
Apr 30, 8:50 PM
USC President condemns swastika drawn on campus
University of Southern California President Carol Folt released a statement Tuesday after being alerted to an alleged swastika drawn on the USC campus.
“I’ve just been made aware of a swastika drawn on our campus,” Folt said in an update on X Tuesday afternoon.
“I condemn any antisemitic symbols or any form of hate speech against anyone. Clearly it was drawn there to incite even more anger at a time that is so painful for our community,” Folt continued.
Folt said the university is investigating and that the swastika has been removed.
Apr 30, 8:37 PM
Columbia University students told to shelter in place amid ongoing protest
Columbia University students were told to shelter in place Tuesday evening due to “heightened activity” on the Morningside campus.
“Shelter in place for your safety due to heightened activity on the Morningside campus,” the university’s emergency management operations team said in an alert Tuesday.
Officials warned that “Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action” and that students should “avoid the area until further notice.”
Apr 30, 7:37 PM
City College of New York shifting remote amid protests
The City College of New York said it will hold classes remotely starting on Wednesday until further notice due to “current encampment activities” on the Manhattan campus.
Campus buildings will be closed except to essential personnel, the university said.
The announcement comes nearly a week after the university, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, said a group of d lt;/p>
“You were talking about Stormy Daniels with Michael Cohen in March 2018?” Bove asked.
“It certainly appears to be, yes,” Davidson responded.
May 02, 2:35 PM
Defense resumes cross-examination of Davidson
Defense attorney Emil Bove resumed his cross-examination of Stormy Daniels’ and Karen McDougal’s former attorney Keith Davidson by asking Davidson about the 2011 blog post in TheDirty.com that alleged an affair between Trump and Daniels.
Davidson testified that his effort to kill the 2011 blog post helped Stormy Daniels make the story more marketable to another publication.
“They were using my efforts to create an exclusive opportunity with another publication,” Davidson said.
“They were using you to make more money, right?” Bove asked about the efforts by Daniels and her representative Gina Rodriguez.
“Yes,” Davidson said.
Bove’s questioning was briefly interrupted when a binder fell off a table in the courtroom.
“That drop was catastrophic to my client,” Bove joked, prompting some light laughter from the galler
May 02, 2:28 PM
Judge declines to approve articles for Trump to post
Court has resumed following the lunch break. But before jurors were escorted back into the courtroom, Trump attorney Susan Necheles handed Judge Merchan a series of articles by “legal scholars” like Jonathan Turley that she said are “very critical of this case.”
“These articles are all articles which President Trump would like to post on his Truth,” Necheles said, referring to Trump’s social media platform.
“We think they are perfectly fine, but we think there is ambiguity in the gag order,” Necheles said, asking the judge to “take a look at them” before Trump posts them.
Judge Merchan did not seem inclined to take up the matter, saying, “There is no ambiguity in the order.”
“I am not going to give an advanced ruling on this,” Merchan said. “When in doubt, steer clear.”
May 02, 1:16 PM
Davidson was to earn 45% of McDougal’s hush payment
Defense attorney Emil Bove asked Stormy Daniels’ and Karen McDougal’s former attorney Keith Davidson about his 2016 effort to negotiate a payment on behalf of McDougal, who was ultimately paid $150,000 by the National Enquirer so the publication could “catch and kill” her story.
Davidson was set to earn 45% of the payment based on the retainer agreement he signed with McDougal, according to testimony.
Bove suggested that the National Enquirer was struggling to verify McDougal’s allegations, which threatened to derail the negotiations.
“I am drafting a declination of representation letter to send off,” Davidson texted Enquirer editor Dylan Howard in 2016, according to evidence.
Davidson testified he could not recall threatening to end the negotiations.
The judge subsequently recessed the proceedings for lunch, with Davidson’s cross-examination set to resume after the break.
May 02, 12:53 PM
Davidson was investigated for Hogan extortion but not charged
Under cross-examination, Stormy Daniels’ former attorney Keith Davidson testified that he attempted to negotiate a monetary offer from Hulk Hogan related to the release of an alleged sex tape.
“There was a monetary demand made,” Davidson said while declining to provide specifics.
Davidson denied that he leaked any information about the alleged tape to the National Enquirer though Dylan Howard.
Davidson appeared to admit that he was investigated for extortion related to Hulk Hogan by the Tampa Police Department.
“They conducted an investigation, yes,” Davidson said.
“An investigation related to extortion?” Bove asked.
“I believe so,” Davidson said.
“You were not ultimately charged, right”” Bove asked.
“True,” Davidson said.
When asked if he learned about extortion law from the experience, Davidson mumbled, “Perhaps, I don’t know.”
May 02, 12:47 PM
Defense’s questioning of Davidson turns heated
Trump attorney Emil Bove’s cross-examination of Stormy Daniels’ former attorney Davidson turned heated as Bove asked Davidson about some of his previous cases.
Bove asked about his alleged involvement in a TMZ story related to Lindsey Lohan’s treatment at a rehab facility.
“I don’t recall that,” Davidson.
Bove then asked Davidson about his clients related to Charlie Sheen.
“We asserted that there was tortious activity,” Davidson said, adding there was some kind of settlement.
Bove then attempted to ask Davidson about the specifics of the settlement related to Sheen.
“I’m not going to answer that question,” Davidson said. “I don’t recall.”
“Is it fair to say your memory seems a bit fuzzy?” Bove said.
Davidson appeared to be refusing to answer some questions while invoking attorney-client confidentiality.
“We’re both lawyers here — I’m not trying to play lawyer games with you,” Bove said, telling Davidson he was just demanding truthful answers.
“You are getting truthful answers, sir,” Davidson said bluntly.
May 02, 12:33 PM
Defense attorney suggests Davidson extorted Daniels payment
Defense attorney Emil Bove appeared to suggest that Keith Davidson, as Stormy Daniels’ attorney, was committing extortion when he negotiated the Daniels payment. Bove asked whether the statute of limitations has run out for any extortion offenses.
“What does the word extortion mean to you?” Bove asked.
“Extortion is the attaining property by fear or threat of force,” Davidson said.
“By 2016, you were pretty well versed in getting right up to the line without committing extortion?” Bove asked.
“I don’t understand your question,” Davidson said.
Bove asked Davidson about a 2012 state and federal extortion investigation related to Hulk Hogan.
“I familiarized myself with the law,” Davidson said of the 2012 investigation “I did everything I could to make sure my activities were lawful.”
Bove attempted to suggest that based on that past experience, Davidson intentionally avoided making overt threats related to the 2016 election when negotiating the Daniels payment.
“I made no threats to anyone,” Davidson responded.
May 02, 12:19 PM
Davidson says he provided legal services without retainer
Under cross-examination, Keith Davidson agreed that he provided legal services to Stormy Daniels in 2011 when he sent a cease-and- desist letter to TheDirty.com when the website published allegations of an affair between Daniels and Trump.
“You were acting as Ms. Daniels’ attorney?” Trump lawyer Emil Bove asked.
“Yes,” Davidson responded, while noting there was no formal retainer agreement.
The defense has suggested Trump properly characterized his reimbursement to Michael Cohen, which sits at the heart of the case, as a legal expense because it was a payment to a lawyer.
Prosecutors have repeatedly said there was no retainer agreement between Trump and Cohen.
May 02, 12:06 PM
Defense begins cross-examination of Stormy Daniels’ attorney
After a short morning break, court is now back in session with the cross-examination of for Stormy Daniels attorney Keith Davidson.
Defense attorney Emil Bove is questioning Davidson on behalf of Donald Trump, who is back at the defense table.
Trump leaned back in his chair, twisting to the right, to watch his lawyer take his turn.
Bove began by asking Davidson about whether he had ever interacted with Trump, suggesting in his questions that Davidson’s impression of Trump came from television or what he learned from Michael Cohen.
“I have had no personal interactions with Donald Trump,” Davidson said.
Referring to National Enquirer publisher David Pecker’s testimony last week that Davidson was one of the publication’s major sources though his relationship with editor Dylan Howard, Bove asked Davidson, “Would it surprise you to learn that Mr. Howard considered you to be a major source of information?”
“Yes,” Davidson said.
May 02, 11:46 AM
With no ‘relationship,’ denial was ‘effectively true,’ lawyer says
Stormy Daniels’ former attorney Keith Davidson read to the jury her denial statement from Jan. 30, 2018.
“I am denying this affair because it never happened,” the statement read.
“I think it’s effectively true,” Davidson testified, arguing that a “relationship is an ongoing interaction.”
At one point, Davidson drafted a statement affirming that Michael Cohen was the source of the Daniels’ hush money payment. Cohen had texted Cohen Chis Cuomo’s email address.
“He is a news broadcaster, then with CNN,” Davidson testified regarding Cuomo.
“Perfect, send to Cuomo,” Cohen texted Davidson about the statement.
“I think he was under some fire and wanted validation or cooperation” that he was the source of the money, Davidson said.
Davidson testified that while he believed Trump would ultimately be the source of the payment, Cohen had made the payment out of his own pocket in October 2016.
Prosecutors subsequently ended their direct examination of Davidson.
May 02, 11:34 AM
Davidson details more Stormy Daniels denials
Jurors were shown more 2018 text messages between Stormy Daniels’ attorney Keith Davidson and Michael Cohen, including one in which Cohen said, about Stormy Daniels. “I have her tentatively scheduled for Hannity tonight” so she could issue additional denials about her alleged relationship with Trump.
“Did your client actually appear on Hannity that night?” Steinglass asked Davidson.
“No,” Davidson said, calling this Cohen’s attempt to book Daniels on Hannity as part of one of his “pants-on-fire stages.”
“He believed she would further deny the interaction,” Davidson said about Cohen’s effort to book Daniels’ on Hannity.
By January 17, Cohen appeared to change his tone about booking Daniels on television.
“The wise men all believe the story is dying,” Cohen texted Davidson.
“Why is she going on Kimmel after the Sotu,” Cohen texted Davidson on January 26, 2018, referring to the State of the Union Address.
“Idk I was pissed. She said this is her shot. Meeting her this weekend to prep her and get the statement,” Davidson texted back.
“She wanted to talk about her life and reinvigorate her career,” Davidson testified about the the Jimmy Kimmel appearance.
May 02, 11:21 AM
Davidson testifies about denials to Wall Street Journal
Sometime in mid-December 2016, after the election, Keith Davidson and Michael Cohen spoke by phone, and Cohen unloaded on Trump.
In Davidson’s recollection, Cohen told him, “Jesus Christ, can you f—– believe I’m not going to Washington? After everything I’ve done for that f—– guy. I can’t believe I’m not going to Washington. I’ve saved that guy’s ass so many times you don’t even know.”
“That guy’s not even paid me the 130,000 back,” Davidson said Cohen told him.
Davidson was then asked about his actions in January 2018 when the Wall Street Journal reached out for comment about the Stormy Daniels contract.
“They wanted a comment on any interaction regarding Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump,” Davidson said.
“Nothing about the present day regurgitation of these rumors causes us to rethink our prior denial issued in 2011,” Davidson wrote in response to the request for comment in 2018. Davidson had sent a cease-and-desist letter in 2011 when the affair was mentioned on a blog.
Davidson said he forwarded the comment to Michael Cohen given their aligned interest at the time.
Jurors were shown the January 10, 2018 denial issued by Stormy Daniels, which Davidson said he wrote.
“An extremely strict reading of this denial would technically be true,” Davidson testified. “I don’t think anyone ever alleged that any interaction between she and Mr. Trump was romantic.”
“OK,” Steinglass responded, prompting some laughs from the gallery.
“It wasn’t a payoff and it wasn’t hush money — it was consideration in a civil settlement,” Davidson said.
May 02, 11:09 AM
‘What have we done?’ Stormy Daniels’ lawyer texted on election night
On election night, as results were coming in that were favorable to Trump, Stormy Daniels’ attorney Keith Davidson texted National Editor Dylan Howard, “What have we done?” according to texts shown the jury.
“This was sort of gallows humor. It was on election night as the results were coming,” Davidson testified.
Asked to explain his text message, Davidson responded, “There was an understanding that our activities may have in some way assisted the presidential campaign of Donald Trump.”
“Oh my god,” Howard responded to the text on election night.
May 02, 10:56 AM
Jurors shown final contract for Stormy Daniels agreement
Jurors were shown the final Stormy Daniels contract, which prohibited her from making public statements about her alleged affair with Trump.
“That’s essentially part of the nondisclosure aspect of the agreement,” her then-attorney, Keith Davidson, told jurors after reading aloud from the contract.
The contract stated that Daniel’s would owe $1 million for each breach of contract, though Davidson said that portion of the contract was likely unenforceable.
Davidson testified that Michael Cohen requested the $1 million penalty be added to the contract.
Jurors were shown signed copies of the agreement, which was signed by Daniels, Cohen, and Davidson.
The signature line for “David Dennison” — the pseudonym used for Donald Trump — was never signed by Trump. In one version of the contract, Cohen signed for “Dennison.”
Davidson testified that he made $10,000 for negotiating the contract.
May 02, 10:46 AM
Lawyer resumes testimony on Stormy Daniels hush payment
Following the contempt hearing, Keith Davidson, the former lawyer for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, has returned to the stand to resume his testimony.
When Davidson stepped off the witness stand on Tuesday, he testified about the difficulty in getting the $130,000 payment from then-Trump attorney Michael Cohen for Stormy Daniel’s hush money agreement.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass resumed the direct examination by asking Davidson about a phone call between himself, Michael Cohen, and National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard about the payment.
“That conversation took place because there was difficulty in communications with Michael Cohen and I had lost trust in what he was telling me, and Dylan came in as a mediator,” Davidson said. “I believed he was not telling me the truth … about the delays in funding.”
Jurors then looked at an email from Cohen where he flagged to Davidson that the wire would be coming from an account for Essential Consultants LLC.
On Tuesday, jurors heard from a banker who described Cohen’s rushed effort to create a bank account for Essential Consultants LLC, which prosecutors say was a shell company created for the Daniels payment.
Emails and texts involving Cohen, Davidson and Howard, displayed to the jury, indicate the hush payment was finalized with the wire transfer of $130,000 on October 27, 2016 — 12 days before the 2016 election.
May 02, 10:31 AM
Contempt hearing ends without immediate ruling
After Judge Merchan asked defense attorney Todd Blanche to explain Trump’s remarks about the jury, Blanche argued that Trump’s remarks referenced the political nature of the trial.
“We very much believe that this is a political persecution and that this is a political trial,” Blanche argued.
“I’m not accepting your argument,” the judge said. “He spoke about the jury. And he said the jury was 95% Democrats and the jury had been rushed through, and the implication being this is not a fair jury.”
The judge concluded the contempt hearing without issuing a ruling on whether Trump’s four recent statements violated the case’s limited gag order.
Testimony in the trial was then set to resume.
May 02, 10:24 AM
Defense says Trump was responding to Cohen’s remarks
Judge Merchan told Trump attorney Todd Blanche that he is “not terribly concerned” about Trump’s remarks about David Pecker being a “nice guy.”
“I am not terribly concerned about that one,” Merchan said during the hearing on whether Trump should again he held in contempt for allegedly violating the case’s limited gag order.
Blanche then turned to Trump’s remarks about witness Michael Cohen, displaying exhibits that included screenshots of four posts on Cohen’s X account.
“There is repeated attacks on President Trump’s candidacy for president by Michael Cohen,” Blanche said about Cohen’s posts on X and remarks on TikTok as well as on his podcast.
“You made your point,” Merchan responded after Blanche spent a few minutes highlighting Cohen’s public comments.
“Mr. Cohen has started going on TikTok nightly, literally making money,” Blanche added. “He actively encourages folks to give him money.”
May 02, 10:14 AM
Trump glares at his attorney after he agrees with judge
At one point in the ongoing contempt hearing, Trump appeared to show frustration with his own attorney during arguments regarding Trump’s remarks to the press.
When Judge Merchan said that “nobody is forcing” Trump to make remarks in the hallways, Trump attorney Todd Blanche surprisingly responded, “I agree.”
At that moment, Trump shot around and glared at his own lawyer in disbelief, his mouth hanging open. He then turned back around to face forward, repeatedly shaking his head no.
“What is happening in this trial is no surprise to anyone,” Merchan said of the media attention. “It is not surprising that we have press here.”
May 02, 10:04 AM
Defense argues Trump’s comments were ‘completely neutral
Defense attorney Todd Blanche argued against accusations that Trump again violated the case’ limited gag order, saying that Trump was attempting to respond to political attacks.
Appearing to cite President Joe Biden’s remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this weekend, Blanche said, “He mocked President Trump. He said, ‘Donald had had a few tough days recently — you might call it stormy weather,” Blanche said, arguing Trump should be able to respond to that remark but can’t because of the gag order.
Merchan pushed back on that argument, telling Blanche that Trump is allowed to respond to remarks by Biden.
“Trump can’t respond to that in a way that he wants to because of this order,” Blanche argued.
Blanche also argued that Trump’s remarks about David Pecker were “completely neutral” comments about Trump’s longtime friend.
“He is talking … about a man he had known for decades, who he was friends with for decades. There is no threat in what President Trump said,” Blanche said.
Blanche also attempted to put some blame on the press for asking Trump questions prompting his remarks. “He can’t just say ‘no comment’ repeatedly, he’s running for president,” he said.
Merchan told Blanche that Trump’s remarks about Pecker impacts other witnesses, because it signals that Trump could make remarks about other particpants.
May 02, 9:53 AM
Prosecutors ask judge to again fine Trump for contempt
Prosecutor Christopher Conroy argued that Trump’s remarks about witness Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney — including Trump’s statements in the courtroom hallway after opening statements last week — were made to “affect and disrupt” the proceedings at its “most critical time.”
“His statements are corrosive to this proceeding and to the fair administration of justice,” Conroy said.
“We are not yet seeking jail,” Conroy said about the four alleged violations, citing the desire to prevent disruptions to the proceedings.
He asked Merchan to fine Trump the maximum of $1,000 for violation, totaling $4,000, following the identical fines earlier this week for nine previous violations.
Defense lawyer Todd Blanche argued that the alleged violations were not willful violations of the court’s limited gag order.
Blanche said Trump’s commentary reflects his defense to “political attacks” — and as a candidate for president, he is entitled to respond to “multiple and repeated attacks.”
“Part of the campaign takes place outside of this courtroom,” Blanche said.
May 02, 9:45 AM
Prosecutor calls Trump’s remarks ‘deliberate and calculated’
Prosecutor Christopher Conroy told Judge Merchan during the contempt hearing that the limited gag order exists because of Trump’s “persistent and escalating rhetoric” regarding trial participants, adding that Trump had violated the gag order nine times already.
“He has done it again here,” Conroy said.
“That is what the order forbids, and he did it anyway,” Conroy said about Trump’s remarks about the composition of the jury.
Conroy then turned his attention to Trump’s remarks about witness and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker last Thursday at a construction site in midtown Manhattan, in which he said, “He’s been very nice. I mean, he’s been — David’s been very nice. A nice guy.”
“It was deliberate and calculated,” Conroy said, describing the remarks as a “deliberate shots across the bow” to participants in the case.
“The defendant thinks the rules should be different for him,” Conroy says about Trump’s remarks about witnesses like Michael Cohen and David Pecker.
Trump has defended some of his commentary about the trial as a recitation of what he sees in media coverage. But Conroy said that Trump’s rhetoric carries an “air of menace that is substantially different” than a news report.
“He places this process and proceeding here in jeopardy,” Conroy said.
May 02, 9:36 AM
Contempt hearing underway
Judge Juan Merchan has begun this morning’s contempt hearing in which he will determine whether to hold Trump in contempt and fine him for making four additional out-of-court statements about the jury and known witnesses in the trial, after the judge on Tuesday cited and fined him for nine such violations.
Prosecutor Christopher Conroy, speaking for the Manhattan district attorney’s office during the contempt proceeding, said he does not plan to play the videos of the alleged violations.
May 02, 9:23 AM
Trump arrives in courtroom
Former President Donald Trump has arrived in the courtroom for today’s proceedings.
Proceedings get underway today with a second contempt hearing on Trump’s alleged violation of the case’ limited gag order, before testimony in the trial resumes.
May 02, 7:36 AM
Day will begin with second contempt hearing
Two days after Judge Juan Merchan held former President Trump in criminal contempt for nine violations of the limited gag order that prohibits statements about witnesses and others involved in the case, the judge will hold a hearing this morning to determine whether to hold Trump in contempt again and fine him $4,000 for making four additional out-of-court statements about the jury and known witnesses in the trial.
Judge Merchan on Tuesday fined the former president $1,000 for each of the nine violations — the maximum allowable fine under state law — and threatened that future violations could result in jail time.
Testimony in the trial is scheduled to resume following the conclusion of this morning’s hearing.
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