Columbia University Arrests Nearly 80 Protestors Including Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Daughter

Ramona Sarsgaard, the 18-year-old daughter of actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, was arrested during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University for criminal trespassing after storming the Butler Library amid final exam preparations. The protest, which called for the university to divest from companies tied to Israel, resulted in injuries to two university safety officers and led to nearly 80 arrests, with more than 65 students placed on interim suspension pending investigation. Ramona, a Columbia student like her mother and uncle before her, received a desk appearance ticket and must appear in court, though it remains unclear if she is among those suspended. The demonstration caused significant property damage and vandalism within the library, prompting university officials to condemn the violence and disruption, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect Columbia's values. The incident has sparked political backlash, including comments from Senator Marco Rubio labeling the protesters as "Pro-Hamas thugs," though public opinion on the Israel-Palestine conflict has become more nuanced in recent years. Neither Ramona nor her parents have publicly commented on the arrest.