Alleged Chemical Attacks Spark Investigations and Outrage at Columbia and in New York

Columbia University has banned the alleged perpetrators who reportedly sprayed a hazardous chemical at a pro-Palestine protest, with the NYPD investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. No arrests have been made yet, and the university has urged those with relevant information to come forward. Eight students were hospitalized, and dozens sought medical attention after experiencing symptoms from the chemical spray, which some described as skunk spray. The incident has sparked condemnation and calls for accountability from student groups, amid a backdrop of heightened tensions related to Palestinian advocacy and a surge in violent hate crimes against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Americans.