Alvin Bragg’s Manhattan Office Drops Charges Against Majority of Columbia University Protesters

SUMMARY

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has decided to drop charges against the majority of protesters involved in the Columbia University occupation protesting Israel last month. Out of 46 individuals charged with trespassing, 31 cases were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, particularly the lack of clear surveillance footage and difficulties in identifying masked individuals. Another 14 defendants were offered conditional dismissal if they avoided further arrests, but 12 refused, opting to face trial in solidarity with broader pro-Palestinian movements. Critics argue the dismissals underscore systemic challenges in proving cases without clear evidence of violence or property damage during the protests.