Security guards clashed with Palestine protesters at Columbia University in New York.

Officers had tried to block the students as they stormed into the Butler Library on May 7.

Footage shows the demonstrators barging into the building as they chanted: 'Free free free Palestine!'

They then wore headscarves as they began the sit-down protest to demand that the university cut financial ties with companies supplying Israel's military.

The protest comes amid political pressure and federal funding cuts initiated during the Trump administration over what officials claimed was the university's failure to curb antisemitism.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrived at the campus following a call from school officials.

Authorities said at least 76 people were caught, while two officers were injured in the clash. Officials have not clarified how many will be charged.

In a statement, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: 'I have been briefed on the situation at Columbia University tonight and am grateful to public safety officials for keeping students safe.

'Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. But violence, vandalism or destruction of property are completely unacceptable.'

Columbia University acting president Claire Shipman has denounced the demonstration as 'completely unacceptable'.

She said in a statement: 'Disruptions to our academic activities will not be tolerated and are violations of our rules and policies; this is especially unacceptable while our students study and prepare for final exams.

'Columbia strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, some of which we witnessed today.'

It marks the second time Columbia University has called the NYPD to respond to a campus protest since April 2024, when pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied Hamilton Hall for nearly a day.