Recently, amid escalating protests and unrest on American campuses sparked by the conflict in the Middle East, President Biden broke his silence on Thursday to address the situation. He stated that while Americans have the right to protest, they do not have the right to resort to violence.
“People have the right to protest, but they do not have the right to create chaos,” Biden said during a speech at the White House. “Violent protests are not protected.”
“Peaceful protests, on the other hand, are protected,” he continued. “Damaging property is not peaceful protesting. It is illegal.”
Previously, President Biden had said little about the pro-Palestinian unrest that has swept across American college campuses in recent weeks, not mentioning the “protests” at all.
He emphasized the importance of dissent in a democracy but stressed that dissent should not lead to chaos or deny others their rights, preventing students from completing their semesters and university education.
Biden had previously expressed his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists but insisted on providing more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He called for Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on releasing hostages, which would also lead to a temporary ceasefire.
President Biden stated on Thursday that protesters on college campuses should be free to express their views but should not escalate to unlawful entry or violence. Peaceful dissent is crucial to democracy, but violence is intolerable.
“Destruction of public property, intrusion, breaking windows, campus closures, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation ceremonies – none of these constitute peaceful protest,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of helmeted police officers entered the central plaza of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and forcibly dismantled a pro-Palestinian protest camp that had clashed with pro-Israel supporters the night before. Authorities reported that 132 protesters who confronted the police were arrested.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the protest riots and warned on social media that “those engaging in unlawful behavior must be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution, suspension, or expulsion.”
When asked if the governor should deploy the National Guard if necessary to restore order, Biden replied, “No.”
When asked if the campus protests had forced a reconsideration of his Middle East policy, Biden responded, “No.” His support for Israel remains unwavering.
On Wednesday, the White House was asked why Biden had remained largely silent on the protests, emphasizing the president’s stance condemning anti-Semitism.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, “No president has spoken out more forcefully against anti-Semitism than this administration.”
On Thursday, as Biden delivered his speech at the White House, outside the library of Portland State University, riot police faced off with protesters in riot gear, as authorities worked to clear pro-Palestinian protesters from the library.
CNN staff witnessed at least five people being detained by police on the scene.
“You are now under arrest for second-degree trespassing,” the Portland police said.
Previously, it was reported that these student protesters entered the library on Monday and negotiations with them failed on Wednesday. The university announced the closure of the campus earlier today.