James Carlson, also known as Cody Carlson and Cody Tarlow, has emerged as a prominent figure in the violent Columbia University riots. The 40-year-old, alleged to be a professional agitator and anarchist, hails from a wealthy background as the scion of millionaire ad execs. His parents, Richard “Dick” Tarlow and Sandy Carlson Tarlow, were prominent figures in the advertising industry, with Dick Tarlow passing away in 2022, leaving behind an estate worth at least $20 million.
Carlson’s luxurious lifestyle is evident, as he resides in a $3.4 million Brooklyn brownstone, purchased in 2019. The three-story property features four wood-burning fireplaces and a carriage house. His stepmother, Kristin Kehrberg, currently dating John Cougar Mellencamp, resides in a lavish Fifth Avenue mansion worth $15 million.
The alleged leader of the anti-Israel protesters, Carlson has a history of arrests dating back to 2005. He is an attorney by trade and has been involved in various acts of civil unrest. Carlson’s involvement in the recent Columbia University riots has drawn attention, with law enforcement officials considering him a possible leader of the protesters who broke into Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside.
During the riots, Carlson was arrested and charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and criminal trespassing. He also allegedly destroyed a camera inside a holding cell at One Police Plaza, resulting in an additional charge of criminal mischief. Furthermore, Carlson faces charges of a hate crime, assault, and petit larceny for allegedly setting an Israel supporter’s flag on fire and striking a 22-year-old individual with a rock during a previous protest in April.
Carlson’s involvement in disruptive activities extends beyond the recent Columbia University riots. He was among the protesters who caused chaos in January by blocking traffic at the Holland Tunnel, as well as the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges.
Despite his extensive rap sheet, Carlson has no known links to Columbia University. Approximately 30% of those arrested during the Hamilton Hall takeover were identified as outside agitators, according to both Columbia University and Mayor Adams.
2 Responses
While I understand that the post is discussing James Carlson’s involvement in the Columbia University riots, I would like to take this opportunity to share my personal goals and plans related to peaceful activism and promoting positive change.
My goal is to actively engage in peaceful protests and advocate for social justice issues that I am passionate about. I believe in the power of collective action and the importance of raising awareness about systemic injustices. However, I strongly believe in non-violence as a means to bring about change.
To achieve
Hi there! I found your post about James Carlson’s involvement in the Columbia University riots quite interesting. Could you please expand on the specific actions or contributions that he made during the protests? I’m curious to learn more about his role in the events. Thank you!