Bloomberg journalist Jason Kao, a Columbia University alumnus, was among 81 protesters arrested for criminal trespassing during a violent pro-Hamas takeover of Butler Library that left two security personnel injured and caused extensive vandalism.
Key Takeaways
- Jason Kao, a Bloomberg journalist with previous ties to The New York Times, was arrested during a radical anti-Israel protest at Columbia University’s Butler Library
- The violent demonstration involved protesters distributing pro-Hamas literature and renaming the library after a Palestinian terrorist
- A total of 81 individuals were arrested on criminal trespassing charges after protesters clashed with security personnel, resulting in injuries and property damage
- Bloomberg promptly terminated its relationship with Kao following his arrest and participation in the disruptive event
- The Trump administration has taken strong measures against campus anti-Semitism, including cutting federal funding to Columbia University
Journalist Crossed the Line From Reporting to Participating
What began as yet another anti-Israel demonstration at Columbia University quickly deteriorated into a violent takeover of the institution’s prestigious Butler Library. Jason Kao, a Bloomberg journalist and Columbia alumnus, was not merely covering the event as a reporter but actively participating in it, raising serious questions about journalistic ethics and professional boundaries. Kao, who previously worked for The New York Times and ProPublica, was arrested along with dozens of other protesters when police were forced to intervene after the situation spiraled out of control, resulting in injuries to security personnel and significant damage to university property Stated Jason Kao.
The demonstration took a particularly disturbing turn when protesters began distributing pamphlets endorsing Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attacks against Israel. In a flagrant display of support for terrorism, the mob proceeded to symbolically rename Butler Library after Leila Khaled, a notorious Palestinian terrorist with ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. This explicit endorsement of terrorist ideologies demonstrates how far these campus protests have strayed from legitimate political discourse into dangerous territory that threatens Jewish students and supporters of Israel.
Violence and Vandalism on Campus
The protesters’ actions went well beyond peaceful demonstration, escalating to physical confrontation with university security personnel. Two security staff members were injured during the chaotic scene as masked protesters forcibly occupied the library, refusing lawful orders to disperse. The violent takeover resulted in significant property damage as protesters vandalized the historic Butler Library, a longstanding symbol of academic excellence at Columbia University. These destructive actions highlight the increasingly aggressive tactics employed by anti-Israel activists on college campuses nationwide.
The New York Police Department was eventually called to restore order, resulting in the arrest of 81 individuals, including Kao. All arrested protesters face criminal trespassing charges in the third degree. This mass arrest operation required significant police resources as officers in riot gear methodically cleared the occupied library building. The fact that a professional journalist would willingly participate in such disruptive and potentially criminal activity raises serious concerns about media bias regarding Israel-related coverage and the objectivity of news reporting on the ongoing Middle East conflict Stated Kao.
Professional Consequences for Activist Journalism
Bloomberg’s swift decision to terminate its professional relationship with Kao following his arrest demonstrates that even in today’s polarized media landscape, certain standards of journalistic conduct remain non-negotiable. Kao’s personal website reveals a clear pattern of negative coverage focused on Israel’s defensive military operations in Gaza, suggesting a longstanding bias that may have influenced his reporting. His previous participation in a New York Times Guild strike for salary increases further indicates a history of activist tendencies that eventually crossed the line from advocacy journalism to direct participation in disruptive protests Stated President Trump.
The Trump administration has taken decisive action to combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism on American college campuses. By cutting federal funding to institutions like Columbia University that fail to adequately address harassment and intimidation of Jewish students, President Trump has signaled a zero-tolerance approach to such discrimination. These funding decisions send a clear message that universities must maintain environments where all students can learn free from intimidation based on their religious or ethnic identity, and that tacit institutional support for anti-Israel extremism will have concrete financial consequences.
