Dismiss Our Cases, Keffiyeh-Clad Columbia Radicals Tell NYC Court
29th May 2025
A parade of keffiyeh-clad students descended on Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday to face formal arraignment for their roles in a violent takeover of Columbia University’s Butler Library. Their lawyer accused Israel of “genocide,” asked the court to consider dismissal, and ultimately secured adjournments for procedural documents that will delay the cases for more than a month.
A total of 56 defendants were arraigned at the courthouse, with a few joined by their nervous parents. Among the defendants present were Ramona Sarsgaard, the nepo baby daughter of Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. Dima Aboukasm—whom Mayor Eric Adams once hailed as a peace activist—also had her day in court. They were represented by Matthew W. Daloisio, the same attorney who represented those arrested for storming Columbia’s Hamilton Hall in 2024.
How dare you expect us to obey the law! OPPRESSORS!