Dozens of Columbia University students draped in keffiyehs and pro-Hamas attire appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday to face charges stemming from their violent occupation of Butler Library. Their attorney, Matthew W. Daloisio, requested case dismissals and secured procedural delays, echoing past legal strategies that led to dropped charges for similar campus disruptions.
A total of 56 defendants were arraigned, including Ramona Sarsgaard, daughter of actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, and Dima Aboukasm, previously recognized by Mayor Eric Adams as a peace activist. Daloisio defended their actions as a “teach-in in a library” and urged the court “to consider dismissal in the interest of justice.” He obtained an “adjournment for supporting depositions” from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, delaying proceedings for over a month.
Legal analyst Jason Goldman noted that Daloisio’s approach aims to “avoid the public scrutiny” and assess whether Bragg’s office will pursue prosecution. Goldman remarked, “Bragg dropped charges in 2024, and I think he’ll do it again.” This refers to Bragg’s previous decision to dismiss cases against protesters who occupied Columbia’s Hamilton Hall, a move that drew criticism from Jewish and civic groups.
The Butler Library incident resulted in injuries to two security officers and the distribution of pro-Hamas literature to students preparing for final exams. The NYPD arrested 81 individuals during the protest. In court, some defendants displayed contempt; one told an observer, “You are a loser, go away,” while another added, “Piece of shit.” Observers noted the defendants’ attire, with many wearing masks and clothing supporting Hamas, creating a spectacle in the courthouse.
Goldman concluded, “They’re going to resolve in dismissal or something very close to it. I don’t think these people will be left with criminal records. I just don’t think these charges will be pressed aggressively.”
