Confrontation at Cornell: President’s Car Makes Contact with Protesters
Video evidence and conflicting statements from both sides present opposing accounts of the event, which occurred following an on-campus debate.
The Incident
President Michael Kotlikoff stated that after leaving an "Israel-Palestine Debate Series" event at Goldwin Smith Hall on April 30, 2026, he was followed by demonstrators to his vehicle. According to Kotlikoff, protesters surrounded his car, banging on windows and blocking its movement.
He reported using the car's rear pedestrian alert and automatic braking system to maneuver slowly out of a parking space after his backup camera showed a clear path.
Video footage from Cornell University and from protesters appears to show Kotlikoff’s vehicle making contact with a protester as he backed out.
Conflicting Accounts
The student group Students for a Democratic Cornell posted a video alleging that Kotlikoff backed his car into a student and ran over another's foot. The group also asserted that Kotlikoff was dismissive of student attempts at dialogue prior to the collision.
The student whose foot was reportedly run over received on-site medical attention from Cornell Emergency Medical Services. That student expressed concern about potential retaliation for pressing charges.
Kotlikoff described the protesters' behavior as "harassment and intimidation" intended to silence speech. The protesters denied banging on his car and reiterated their allegation that Kotlikoff struck them.
University Response
A Cornell University spokesperson stated that the university is investigating the incident. The spokesperson noted that not all individuals involved are current students and stated that the university will take appropriate action based on investigation results and its policies.
"The university will take appropriate action based on investigation results and its policies." — Cornell University Spokesperson
Background
The incident occurred during the second part of an "Israel-Palestine Debate Series" organized by the Cornell Political Union. The April 30 event featured pro-Palestinian Holocaust historian Norman Finkelstein. The first event featured Israeli historian Benny Morris.
Cornell University has faced pressure from the Trump administration regarding antisemitism among protesters. In November, Cornell agreed to pay $60 million to resolve federal antisemitism allegations. President Kotlikoff, who became president in early 2025, had previously rejected pro-Palestinian students' demands to end the university's ties with Technion University in Israel.