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by: Mira Wassef

Posted: May 3, 2024 / 01:17 PM EDT

Updated: May 3, 2024 / 01:23 PM EDT

NEW YORK (PIX11) — A veteran ESU sergeant accidentally discharged his gun with his off-hand while officers were clearing pro-Palestinian protesters in Hamilton Hall at Columbia University Tuesday night, authorities said Friday.

The incident happened in a dark-lit, unoccupied part of the building where officers were trying to get into a locked office to ensure it was empty, according to Chief Carlos Valdez, commanding officer of ESU.

After cops broke the office’s non-transparent window, the sergeant moved the weapon from his right hand to his left so he could unlock the door from the inside, Valdez said. The sergeant then accidentally pulled the trigger and the bullet went through the window and landed on the floor in the empty office, officials said.

Nobody was struck.

“At no time were any police officers, members of the public, or any protesters in danger. This was purely unintentional,” Valdez said.

The 9mm Glock with a flashlight does not have a safety on it, officials said. The trigger is the safety and requires 45 pounds of pressure to discharge. The flashlight firearm is special for ESU officers and not used by patrol cops, officials said.

Authorities said the department averages eight accidental discharges a year. It was unclear if the sergeant would be disciplined for the incident.

Around 300 people were arrested in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and City College on Tuesday, according to the NYPD. Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD have claimed “outside agitators” influenced protests at the colleges and said 29% of the protesters arrested at Columbia were not students.

At City College, 60% of the individuals arrested were not affiliated with the school, officials claimed.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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