Categories: Politics

Johnson says calling National Guard on Columbia protests would be ‘appropriate’ if threats ‘not stopped’

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is suggesting the National Guard should soon be called in to quell the Gaza ceasefire protests at Columbia University if they don’t peter out themselves.

Johnson and several House Republicans visited the New York City Ivy League school on Wednesday as tensions there escalate over demonstrations that have had several Jewish students speak out publicly about fear for their safety. Columbia University students and those attending its sister school, Barnard College, have set up a tent city on campus in protest of Columbia’s investments in companies linked to Israel. 

Tensions over the issue almost reached a boiling point several times during Johnson’s speech as pro-ceasefire student activists repeatedly heckled and tried to interrupt the Louisiana Republican with coordinated chants which included “We can’t hear you” and “Mike, you s—.”

“Enjoy your free speech,” Johnson shot back at the protesters at one point early on.

LIVE UPDATES: ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUS SURGES AS AGITATORS TAKE OVER

Speaker Mike Johnson did not rule out the National Guard being necessary to quell the Gaza ceasefire protests at Columbia University. (Getty Images)

Later when asked whether he would urge President Biden to call the National Guard in to the campus, Johnson said he would be speaking with the president shortly – and did not rule out suggesting federal troops.

“My intention is to call President Biden after we leave here and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action. There is executive authority that’d be appropriate if this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard,” Johnson said.

“We have to bring order to these campuses. We cannot allow this to happen around the country. We are better than this.”

Johnson attacked the demonstrators as a “mob” and specifically denounced professors and other faculty who have joined the protests.

ANTISEMITIC AGITATORS: WHAT PROTESTERS AT ELITE US UNIVERSITIES ARE SHOUTING

Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Peter Gerber)

He also repeated his call from early this morning for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, who he met with prior to the press conference, to resign.

“I’m here today joining my colleagues in calling on President Shafik to resign if she can not immediately bring order to this chaos,” Johnson said, eliciting more jeers. “As Speaker of the House, I have committed today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear.”

At points he addressed the protesters directly, calling their activity un-American and accusing them of censorship as students continued shouting in the crowd.

“The college campus used to be the place for respectful debate, for the differences of opinion in the free marketplace of ideas to be discussed. That is not what is happening here,” Johnson said. “You are intimidating and shouting down people you disagree with.”

TRUMP SLAMS ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS AS ‘DISGRACE’ THAT ARE ‘ALL BIDEN’S FAULT’ AHEAD OF MANHATTAN COURT

Johnson signaled he may raise the matter with President Biden after his press conference. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The jeers grew louder while Johnson pressed on, “You cannot censor and silence viewpoints you disagree with. That is not American, but you do not understand what it means to respect the First Amendment.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“My message to the students inside the encampment is it go back to class and stop the nonsense,” he said. “If we want to have a debate on campus about the merits of there things, let’s do that. But you can’t intimidate your fellow students and make them stay home from class. Think about that. Is that right? Do you think that’s right?”

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House about Johnson’s comments regarding the National Guard.

Share

Recent Posts

5 mistakes that doomed Kamala Harris’ campaign against Trump

Vice President Harris suffered a massive loss to President-elect Donald Trump this week, losing her…

4 mins ago

Shutdown standoff looms in Congress’ final weeks before Trump’s return to White House

EXCLUSIVE: The tumultuous two years of the 118th Congress are likely to be capped by…

4 mins ago

Tim Scott launches bid to chair NRSC as GOP seeks to capitalize on new minority gains

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is running to lead the Senate Republican campaign…

4 mins ago

Why the media waited till now to admit Harris ran a lousy campaign

Something suddenly struck me as I tracked all the finger-pointing and blame-shifting over Kamala Harris…

4 mins ago

5 found dead in Minnesota apparent murder-suicide: police

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 7 Fox News Flash top headlines…

2 hours ago

WATCH: Elderly woman in Washington state attacks, punches 2 Trump supporters

close Video Washington state woman arrested after allegedly punching Trump supporters An 82-year-old woman was…

2 hours ago