(DCWatchdog.com) – In a declaration bizarrely made with his back turned on reporters, on his way out after an address to the nation, President Joe Biden has said that states should refrain from deploying the National Guard to manage the surge of anti-Israel and pro-Islamist terrorism protests across college campuses.
See video footage of Biden’s remarks below!
Throughout the nation, protesters critical of Israel have established encampments at universities, sometimes seizing buildings, ignoring trespassing laws, and substituting the American flag with the Palestinian flag, The Daily Caller points out in a report.
This marked Biden’s first public comment on the issue in over a week, where he unequivocally condemned the violent and unlawful aspects of the protests but insisted that the National Guard should not be involved.
“Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is. It’s against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not peaceful protest. It’s against the law. Vandalism. Trespassing. Breaking windows, Shutting down campuses. Forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations. None of this is a peaceful protest,” Biden articulated in his statement.
“Threatening people. Intimidating people. Instilling fear in people. It’s not peaceful protest. It’s against the law,” he further emphasized.
Despite these protests, Biden confirmed that his stance on the conflict remains unchanged.
When questioned by a reporter, “Mr. President, do you think the National Guard should intervene?” Biden simply replied, “No,” before leaving the room.
These protests have led to numerous arrests for trespassing and refusal to dismantle the encampments.
For example, the University of Southern California had to cancel its primary graduation ceremony due to the protests and related safety concerns.
At the University of North Carolina, protesters toppled barriers to remove the American flag and hoist the Palestinian flag.
“There’s a right to protest, but not the right to create chaos,” Biden reiterated during his comments.
Amid these events, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed inquiries regarding the President’s response to the ongoing disturbances during a press briefing.
“He is monitoring the situation closely, so is his team,” Jean-Pierre informed the press.
Biden last publicly addressed the nationwide unrest at an event on Earth Day, April 22, stating,
“I condemn the antisemitic protests, that’s why I’ve set up a program to deal with that. I also condemn those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians,” he said at the time.
"Have the protests forced you to reconsider any of the policies?"
BIDEN: "No"
"Do you think the National Guard should intervene?"
BIDEN: "No"
*shuffles away — handler follows in close pursuit* pic.twitter.com/OS1rMCsJ80
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 2, 2024
President Biden condemned the violence at protests on college campuses across the country over the Israel-Hamas war, adding that "order must prevail."
Biden also rejected the idea of National Guard intervention when asked by a reporter. pic.twitter.com/VxuFgv9rQz
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 2, 2024
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