Officer discharged gun while clearing Columbia University building, authorities say

A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer discharged a gun while clearing a Columbia University building that had been taken over by protesters earlier this week, authorities said.

The Emergency Service Unit (ESU) officer “accidentally” fired a round while searching the first floor of the building, according to the department, which added that only law enforcement was in the vicinity when the gun went off.

The round did not hit anyone, but struck a frame in the wall, the NYPD added.