Hear House Speaker respond to Jewish student’s statement about Israel and Gaza

Summary

Pro-Palestinian protests across the United States have led to violent clashes, particularly at USC and U.T. Austin, resulting in over 20 arrests. At NYU, Brown, and Columbia University, an encampment has occupied campus, leading to over 100 arrests and the cancellation of in-person classes. Speaker Mike Johnson faced a hostile reception at Columbia, where he called for the resignation of the university president, citing threats and intimidation against Jewish students. Johnson condemned the endorsement of the protests by Hamas and the denial of past atrocities, emphasizing the need for Congress to address the issue and support Israel, a stable democracy and ally.

Takeaways

• 📢 Pro-Palestinian protests are occurring across the United States, leading to violent clashes between police and students.
• 🚔 Over 20 people were arrested at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Texas (U.T.) Austin during these protests.
• 🏫 At NYU, Brown University, and Columbia University, an encampment has taken over part of the campus center, resulting in over 100 arrests and the cancellation of in-person classes.
• 🗣️ House Speaker Mike Johnson was on Columbia's campus to call for the resignation of Columbia's president amidst the protests.
• 📱 A cell phone video captured a large crowd chanting 'Free Palestine' and heckling Johnson during his speech.
• 🔒 The Columbia Library was placed under lockdown due to the large, potentially hostile crowd.
• 💬 Johnson criticized the protests as not being an expression of the First Amendment but rather threats and intimidation against Jewish students.
• 🤔 Johnson questioned the protesters' support for Hamas, which had endorsed the protest, and their denial of past atrocities committed by the group.
• 🕊️ A Jewish student at Columbia argued that the focus should be on the war's material reality and the impact of U.S. munitions on Palestinians, rather than the campus protest.
• 🏛️ Johnson emphasized the importance of supporting Israel, which he views as a stable democracy and an ally, and criticized the idea of blaming Israel for civilian casualties.
• 🚨 The NYPD had not received any reports of physical harm from Columbia University, but Johnson highlighted the fear felt by Jewish students and the need for strong university leadership.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the protests at various universities mentioned in the script?

The protests were pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with some violent clashes occurring between police and students at USC and U.T. Austin.

How many people were arrested during the protests at USC and U.T. Austin?

More than 20 people were arrested during the protests at USC and U.T. Austin.

Which universities experienced significant protests leading to the cancellation of in-person classes?

NYU, Brown University, and Columbia University experienced significant protests leading to the cancellation of in-person classes.

What was the reaction of the crowd when House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the resignation of the Columbia University president?

The crowd heckled, booed, and chanted 'Free Palestine,' indicating a very hostile reaction.

What organization endorsed the protests, according to Speaker Johnson?

Speaker Johnson mentioned that Hamas endorsed the protests.

What did Speaker Johnson say about the nature of the protests?

Speaker Johnson said the protests were not an expression of the First Amendment or an exchange of ideas, but rather threats and intimidation of violence against Jewish students.

How did the protests impact the daily activities on Columbia University's campus?

The protests led to the cancellation of in-person classes, and the campus administration implemented a hybrid model for classes.

What concern did Jewish students at Columbia University express according to Speaker Johnson?

Jewish students at Columbia University expressed fear for their lives and were cowering in their apartments, avoiding classes due to the threats they perceived.

What was Speaker Johnson's stance on the protests against the humanitarian situation in Gaza?

Speaker Johnson acknowledged the right to debate and express ideas but emphasized that supporting Hamas or denying the atrocities committed on October 7th was problematic.

What did Speaker Johnson suggest about the responsibilities of university administrators?

Speaker Johnson suggested that university administrators have a responsibility to maintain peace on campus and ensure the safety of all students, and if they fail to do so, new leadership is needed.