NEW YORK — Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University have taken over the campus’ Butler Library on Wednesday, just days before final exams.

Videos on social media showed the activists, who wore masks, pushing through security at the entrance of Butler, the main campus library, shortly after 3 p.m., steps away from where students pitched a tent demonstration last year. They played drums, and posted signs and stickers to free Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia grad who’s been detained by ICE.

Nearly an hour into the protest, the large group attempted to push through public safety and out of the reading room, but were stopped by personnel who asked for their identification cards, the videos show.

Through a megaphone, one officer informed students that if they show ID, they will be allowed to leave “without issue,” but failure to do so would make them subject to arrest.

“Individuals have been asked for identification, which will be recorded, and asked to disperse. They have been told that failure to comply will result in violations of our rules and policies and possible arrest,” the school said in a statement.

The statement said protesters would face disciplinary action after an investigation.

“It is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for final exams.”

Columbia finals begin on Friday, according to an academic calendar.

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