Bloomberg journalist Jason Kao was arrested during a pro-Palestinian riot at Columbia University where protestors vandalized property, assaulted security personnel, and distributed pro-Hamas materials celebrating October 7th attacks.
Key Takeaways
- Bloomberg journalist and Columbia alumnus Jason Kao was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing after participating in a violent takeover of Butler Library
- Rioters distributed pamphlets supporting Hamas and attempted to rename the library after a Palestinian terrorist
- Two security personnel were injured during the clash, and a total of 81 protesters were arrested
- Bloomberg confirmed Kao is no longer employed following his arrest
- The Trump administration has prioritized combating campus anti-Semitism and cut federal funding to Columbia for failing to address these issues
Journalist Crosses Line From Reporting to Rioting
Jason Kao, until recently a journalist at Bloomberg News and Columbia University alumnus, found himself on the wrong side of both the law and journalistic ethics when he was arrested along with dozens of other protesters during a violent takeover of Columbia University’s Butler Library. Kao was charged with criminal trespassing in the third degree after participating in what officials described as a riot rather than a peaceful protest. The incident represents a stark example of media professionals abandoning objectivity to actively participate in radical political demonstrations Stated Jason Kao.
Kao’s professional background raises serious questions about media bias and activism masquerading as journalism. Before his employment at Bloomberg, Kao worked for The New York Times and ProPublica, prominent left-leaning news organizations. His personal website focuses almost exclusively on negative coverage of Israel’s defensive war in Gaza, demonstrating a clear political agenda that ultimately manifested in criminal activity. Bloomberg News confirmed Kao is no longer employed by the organization following his arrest.
Violence and Hamas Propaganda at an Elite University
The takeover of Butler Library was marked by disturbing scenes of violence and pro-terrorist propaganda. Masked protesters stormed the building, clashing with security personnel and causing injuries to two staff members. The mob didn’t simply occupy space for a peaceful demonstration – they actively vandalized university property and attempted to rename the library after a Palestinian terrorist. This behavior crossed the line from protest into criminal activity and support for terrorism.
Most alarmingly, the protesters distributed pamphlets explicitly endorsing Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. This open celebration of the mass murder, rape, and kidnapping of Israeli citizens reveals the true nature of the movement Kao chose to join. The demonstration wasn’t about peace or human rights but rather supporting an internationally recognized terrorist organization. What began as “pro-Palestinian” activism has increasingly revealed itself as thinly veiled anti-Semitism and support for violence against Jews and the Jewish Stated Kao.
Massive Police Response and Arrests
The New York Police Department responded to the library takeover with appropriate force, sending officers in riot gear to restore order and protect university property. In total, 81 individuals were arrested during the chaotic demonstration. The arrests included not only students but also outside agitators who had no connection to the university. This pattern of professional activists infiltrating campus protests has become increasingly common, turning educational institutions into battlegrounds for radical political movements Stated President Trump.
President Trump’s administration has taken strong action against the rising tide of campus anti-Semitism. The federal government has cut funding to Columbia University for its failure to adequately address the harassment of Jewish students and the promotion of terrorist propaganda on campus. These measures reflect a commitment to protecting Jewish students and ensuring that American educational institutions do not become breeding grounds for anti-Semitism disguised as political activism. Columbia’s continued tolerance of such behavior has damaged its reputation as an institution of higher learning.
