James Carlson, also known as Cody Carlson, Cody Tarlow, is a professional agitator and prominent figure in the recent Columbia University riots. He is the son of millionaire ad executives Richard “Dick” Tarlow and Sandy Carlson Tarlow, who passed away in 2022 and 2003 respectively. His father was known for his work with companies such as Revlon, Ralph Lauren, Cuisinart, and Pottery Barn, while his mother was renowned for defining the public face of Ralph Lauren. The family’s wealth is evident in Carlson’s $2.3 million brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn, as well as his stepmother Kristin Kehrberg’s $15 million Fifth Avenue mansion.
Carlson, who is in his 40s, has a tumultuous past with several arrests dating back to 2005. His current occupation is as an attorney, and he is considered a leader among anti-Israel protesters. He was charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, conspiracy, criminal trespassing, and a hate crime after his involvement in the recent Columbia University riots. Additionally, he was charged with assault and petit larceny for allegedly lighting an Israel supporter’s flag on fire and hitting the supporter with a rock during a protest in April. Carlson’s disruptive behavior has been noted in various incidents, including blocking traffic at multiple New York City landmarks.
A key detail in Carlson’s background is his connection to the upscale ad industry through his parents. His father, Dick Tarlow, had an estate worth at least $20 million and was a loyal supporter of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Following his death, Carlson and his siblings inherited a portion of the estate. Although Carlson has no known links to Columbia University, his involvement in the recent riots has placed him in the spotlight as a possible leader of the anti-Israel protesters who took over Hamilton Hall. His history of involvement in violent protests, such as the West Coast Anti-Capitalist Mobilization in 2005, further underscores his role as a professional agitator.
Despite his affluent background, Carlson’s actions have raised concerns about his behavior and potential threats to public safety. He was observed destroying property while in police custody and has faced multiple criminal charges related to his involvement in protests. However, some details surrounding Carlson remain elusive, as he has maintained a low profile and could not be reached for comment. His estranged relatives have refrained from discussing him, indicating a strained relationship with his family members. As the investigation into his role in the Columbia University riots continues, Carlson’s history of disruptive behavior and ties to influential figures in the ad industry have come to light.
In conclusion, James Carlson, also known as Cody Carlson, has emerged as a controversial figure in the recent Columbia University riots. His affluent background as the son of millionaire ad executives and his history of arrests dating back to 2005 have raised concerns about his involvement in violent protests. Despite his privileged upbringing, Carlson’s actions have drawn attention to issues of social justice and public safety. As investigations into his role in the riots continue, Carlson’s connections to the upscale ad industry and his disruptive behavior highlight the complexities of his persona as a professional agitator.