James Carlson, also known as Cody Carlson and Cody Tarlow, was arrested at an anti-Israel protest at Columbia University and is being investigated as a potential leader of the group of agitators who unlawfully occupied the campus building known as Hamilton Hall. Carlson, who is 40 years old, is reportedly the son of prominent advertising executives Richard “Dick” Tarlow and Sandy Carlson Tarlow, with an estate worth at least $20 million. James Carlson owns a brownstone in Park Slope purchased for $2.3 million in 2019 and has a lengthy arrest record dating back to 2005, with charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.
Footage released by the New York Police Department showed officers in riot gear using flash-bang devices to clear the encampment at Hamilton Hall where Carlson was arrested. He was charged with criminal mischief, arson, and criminal possession of stolen property in connection with an assault on a man holding an Israeli flag on April 20. Three suspects approached the victim, took the flag, and set it on fire, with Carlson allegedly participating in the assault. The victim sustained minor injuries, and the other two suspects are still being sought by authorities.
This is not Carlson’s first involvement in violent protests, as he was previously arrested in 2005 during a protest in San Francisco where protesters injured a police officer and smashed store windows. Despite his alleged involvement in these violent activities, Carlson did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. It is unclear whether he will face additional charges for his role in the anti-Israel protest at Columbia University.
In addition to his alleged involvement in these protests, Carlson is also known for being the heir to his family’s fortune and owning a three-story brownstone with four wood-burning fireplaces and a carriage house in Park Slope. His father, Dick Tarlow, who passed away in 2022, was a prominent figure in the advertising industry and a loyal supporter of John Jay College. Carlson’s privileged background and involvement in violent activities raise questions about the motivations behind his actions and the potential influence of outside agitators in protests at educational institutions like Columbia University.
The arrest of James Carlson at the Columbia University protest highlights the complex dynamics of activism and violence in today’s society. As authorities continue to investigate his role in the protest and his alleged ties to anarchist groups, questions remain about the extent of his involvement and the repercussions he may face for his actions. The incident also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with violent protests and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their background or privilege.
