New York Police Department (NYPD) Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard told Fox News’ Neil Cavuto that pro-Palestinian “encampments” at many universities are organized by “outside agitators” with funding from various sources worldwide. Sheppard mentioned that the NYPD is certain that these outside influencers have been involved in protests in the city and often manage to avoid arrest by quickly moving between protests across the country. These individuals may come into the city for a short period and then leave, funded by private donations from global sources. Sheppard expressed concern that these professionals are able to influence and manipulate students into participating in radical and sometimes illegal protests. The Department of Justice has not disclosed information about the organizations, activists, and donors behind these protests. One activist, Lisa Fithian, was reportedly seen at the Columbia University protests, which escalated into a violent occupation of a university building. Sheppard mentioned that local officials have been in contact with universities but did not mention any communication with the DOJ. The lawsuit filed this week alleges that groups like Students for Justice in Palestine are acting as propaganda arms for Hamas, the organization responsible for terror attacks in Israel.
