A Columbia University student is now facing a wave of death threats after writing an op-ed defending the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian student leader detained for immigration violations following anti-Israel protests on campus.
The student, who published the piece in a major national newspaper, argued that Khalil’s arrest was justified due to his alleged role in organizing disruptive demonstrations and violating U.S. immigration laws. The column sparked immediate backlash from pro-Palestinian activists, some of whom bombarded the student with threats and hateful messages online.
According to the student, the reaction revealed the extremism of some individuals within the activist movement. “These people are ridiculous,” the student said, pointing out that instead of debating facts, critics resorted to intimidation and harassment.
University officials have been made aware of the threats but have yet to comment publicly on the matter. Meanwhile, the incident adds to the growing tensions at Columbia as debates over free speech, immigration enforcement, and the Israel-Palestinian conflict continue to escalate on campus.
Despite the threats, the student remains firm in supporting the legal process against Khalil, emphasizing the importance of upholding U.S. laws while condemning the aggressive response from those who disagreed.