Video released by NYPD shows 63-year-old Lisa Fithian, who has a long history of participating in protests, including Occupy Wall Street

By Greg Wehner | FOX NEWS

The New York City Police Department released a video showing a professional “protest consultant” who was seen on other social media videos instructing a mob of anti-Israel agitators as they took over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University overnight Monday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke about outside agitators during a press conference Tuesday evening.

“What should have been a peaceful protest, it has basically been co-opted by professional outside agitators. We were extremely cautious about releasing our intel information because our goal was to ensure the safety of the students, the faculty, and without destruction to property,” Adams said.

“We have sounded the alarm several times before about external actors who attempted to hijack this private protest.”

Adams and members of his administration shared information about the outside actors who were creating “serious public safety issues” at the protests.

NYPD officials said external actors at anti-Israel protests are introducing new protesting tactics. (NYPD)

“These external actors are obviously not students, and their presence on campus is a violation of Columbia’s clearly stated policy,” Adams said.

“This group…is an outside agitator with a history of escalating a situation and trying to create chaos. It is our belief they are now actively co-opting what should be a peaceful gathering.

“This is to serve their own agenda. They are not here to promote peace or unity or allow a peaceful display of one’s voice. They are here to create discord and divisiveness.”

The mayor urged anyone involved to walk away “now.”

During the press conference, police said some of the outside agitators have been known to the NYPD for years, adding that they have seen an escalation in tactics police believe are the result of guidance from outside agitators.

NYPD shared video of anti-Israel agitators breaking into a building at Columbia University through the windows overnight Monday. (NYPD)

For example, police are seeing barricades being made out of furniture, cameras being destroyed, de-arresting tactics, property destruction, and signs being used to fortify and create shields.

Police said even though the tactics really became exposed last night at Columbia University, they expect it will continue across universities in New York City and across the country.

In a video shown during the press event, 63-year-old Lisa Fithian is seen watching a group of protesters chant anti-Israel slogans.
 

“We’re trying to document them being a- -holes,” Lisa Fithian said to the camera person. “You’re right. They are being a – -holes.”

Fithian is a professional “protest consultant” who has been arrested over 80 times, Laura Ingraham of “The Ingraham Angle” said on her show Tuesday night. 

Fithian has reportedly participated in protests on climate change, Occupy Wall Street, and now, the Free Palestine movement.

After midnight Tuesday, Fithian was seen on video instructing a mob of anti-Israel agitators as they took over an academic building at Columbia University.

In one video clip, protesters were seen carrying a table, while in the background, Fithian could be heard saying, “I can’t help with that. You guys can help with that.” ##