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.

Outlines

00:00

📢 Pro-Palestinian Protests and Campus Tensions

The script describes escalating pro-Palestinian protests across the United States, leading to violent confrontations between law enforcement and students, particularly at USC and U.T. Austin, where over 20 arrests were made. The situation at NYU, Brown, and Columbia University is highlighted, with over 100 arrests and the cancellation of in-person classes due to continuous demonstrations. The reporter recounts their experience on Columbia's campus, where House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a hostile crowd while calling for the resignation of Columbia's president. The crowd's chanting and heckling were captured on the reporter's cell phone video. Johnson's subsequent interview inside the Columbia Library, under lockdown due to the large crowd, is detailed. Johnson discusses the nature of the protests, their endorsement by Hamas, and the alleged anti-Semitic sentiments, while also addressing the broader implications for American values and the safety of Jewish students on campus.

05:00

🔍 Addressing Campus Protests and Calls for Resignation

In this paragraph, the focus shifts to the political and security implications of the campus protests. Speaker Johnson argues that the protests are not a legitimate expression of the First Amendment but rather a display of threats and intimidation against Jewish students. He criticizes the endorsement of the protests by Hamas and the ignorance or denial of certain students regarding past atrocities. Johnson also addresses the role of Congress in addressing the issue, the responsibility of university administrators to maintain peace and safety, and the potential misuse of federal funding by educational institutions that fail to do so. The conversation touches on the broader debate about Israel's actions, the use of civilian shields by Hamas, and the need for support for Israel as an ally and a stable democracy. Johnson defends the right to free speech and debate but condemns the use of intimidation and violence in the protests. The interview concludes with Johnson's call for unity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their views.

Keywords

💡Pro-Palestinian protests

Pro-Palestinian protests refer to demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause, often against policies or actions perceived as unjust by Israel. In the video's context, these protests are happening across the United States and have led to violent clashes, indicating a significant and contentious issue that is driving public demonstrations and confrontations with authorities.

💡Violent clashes

Violent clashes describe physical confrontations between groups or individuals. In the script, it is mentioned that violent clashes occurred between police and students at USC and U.T. Austin, which resulted in arrests. This term highlights the intensity and potential danger of the situation on campuses.

💡Arrests

Arrests refer to the act of taking someone into custody by law enforcement. The script mentions over 20 people were arrested at USC and U.T. Austin, and more than 100 at NYU, Brown University, and Columbia University. This indicates the scale of law enforcement response to the protests and the level of unrest.

💡Encampment

An encampment is a temporary or semi-permanent outdoor living area, often set up for a group of people. The script describes an encampment taking over part of a campus center, suggesting a sustained and organized protest that has physically occupied space on university grounds.

💡In-person classes

In-person classes refer to traditional, face-to-face educational sessions that take place in a classroom. The script notes that these classes have been canceled due to the protests, indicating the impact of the demonstrations on the normal functioning of the universities.

💡House Speaker Mike Johnson

The House Speaker is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives. Mike Johnson is mentioned in the script as having been on campus to give an interview. His presence and the reactions to him are significant as they represent a political dimension to the protests.

💡Free Palestine

Free Palestine is a slogan used by those who advocate for Palestinian self-determination and criticize Israeli policies. In the script, it is the main chant of the protesters, indicating their support for the Palestinian cause and opposition to what they perceive as Israeli occupation.

💡Hamas endorsement

Hamas is a Palestinian political organization with a military wing, and its endorsement of the protests, as mentioned in the script, implies official support from this group. This adds a layer of complexity to the protests, as it brings in the involvement of a group that is often considered controversial.

💡Anti-Semitic

Anti-Semitic refers to hostility or prejudice against Jewish people. The script discusses accusations of anti-Semitism in the context of the protests, suggesting that some believe the demonstrations are not just political but also reflect prejudice against Jews.

💡First Amendment

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the freedom of speech, religion, and the press, among other rights. The script mentions the First Amendment in relation to the protests, highlighting the debate over the limits of free expression when it involves contentious issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Highlights

Pro-Palestinian protests are spreading across the United States with violent clashes between police and students.

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

Encampment at NYU, Brown University, and Columbia University has led to over 100 arrests and the cancellation of in-person classes.

Speaker Mike Johnson was heckled and booed while calling for the resignation of Columbia's president.

Johnson's team moved the press conference inside the Columbia Library due to the large, unfriendly crowd.

Johnson criticized the protests as not representative of American values or the First Amendment.

Hamas endorsed the protests, which Johnson argued is anti-Semitic.

Johnson accused the protesters of supporting atrocities committed by Hamas.

A Jewish Columbia student argued that the real threats to Jewish students come from the war's material reality and U.S. support for Israel.

Johnson defended Israel's actions as a battle between good and evil, civilization and barbarism.

Johnson stated that Israel is doing its best to prevent civilian casualties and is not the aggressor.

Johnson questioned the university's ability to maintain peace and safety, suggesting a need for stronger leadership.

Johnson's involvement in the issue was justified by the university's receipt of federal funding and the need to ensure appropriate use of those funds.

Johnson emphasized the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect, which he believes is not happening at Columbia.

Johnson called on his colleagues in Congress to speak out against the situation and support Israel.

Johnson defended his presence at Columbia as part of his constitutional responsibility as Speaker of the House.

Transcripts

Breaking news.

There are

pro-Palestinian protests

across the United States spreading

violent clashes today

between police and students

at USC and U.T.

Austin,

where more than 20 people were arrested.

This follows protests at NYU Brown

University and Columbia

University, where an encampment

has taken over

part of the center of campus.

More than 100 have been arrested.

In-person

classes have been canceled after eight

straight days of demonstrations.

I was on that campus earlier today

to interview the House

speaker, Mike Johnson.

This is what I saw and heard.

I just walked out.

There were hundreds

of people on the steps

where he and other GOP

representatives

that he had brought along with him

and his entourage spoke.

They were and I'm going to show you here,

this is my cell phone video.

Chanting, Free

Palestine, heckling, booing

when Johnson called

for the president of the school

to resign. They were not friendly.

They couldn't actually hear the speaker,

which I can tell you is a good thing

because much of what he said

would have incensed that crowd.

And after the press conference,

the speaker's team moved us inside

and into the Columbia Library,

where the speaker did interviews.

They put that entire space under lockdown

because of that large crowd.

So here's our conversation

right after that.

Hundreds of people outside when we moved

rushed inside, inside the library.

Moments after that tense

press conference,

the Speaker Johnson, you know,

thanks for your time.

Obviously,

there's a lot going on in Congress

right now.

You've chosen to travel to New York

and as you were just out on the steps

calling for the resignation

of the president here of Columbia.

There was heckling, there was shouting.

It was not a warm reception.

Enjoy your free speech.

Were you surprised at all by

what happened?

Well, there was a sea of students

who apparently have been involved

in the protests here.

And I'm not surprised

that they didn't welcome our visit

because we're calling

out their activities.

But the point we tried to make today

is that this is not who

we are as Americans.

This is not

an expression of the First Amendment.

This is not an exchange of ideas.

This is

this is threats and intimidation

of violence

against Jewish students

for who they are, for their faith.

And that's a terrible trend

that's going on in the country right now.

We have these similar types

of activities.

And in

what are becoming violent protests

on campuses around the country.

And members of Congress,

I believe,

have an obligation and a responsibility

to speak about this and to

and to demand that it come to an end

because it's not good for us.

The main thing they were chanting

was Free Palestine.

But how is that anti-Semitic?

Well, what's anti-Semitic

is that Hamas endorsed this protest today

within the last 2 hours,

they issued an endorsement statement

and heralded

the students here and said

this is the next generation

of leadership in America.

If you're getting endorsed by Hamas,

that's not a good look.

It's not a good sign.

Some of these students

apparently are unaware

of the atrocities of October 7th

or they're denying it.

They deny that women and children

were brutally raped

and murdered,

that infants were placed into ovens

and cooked alive.

The things that happened

there are unspeakable.

And yet they're out there

waving flags

for the very people

who committed those atrocities.

This is not who we are.

Speaker, in those early days

was in some of the kibbutz

and you could smell the death

and the bodies.

It was horrific.

And yet what's happened

since has been horrific, too.

And there's a student here,

a pitching student at Columbia.

I wanted to quote him. He is Jewish.

He has written a testimonial

about what's going on here right

now, his experience on campus.

And he says, I'll read it to you.

The most pressing threats

to our safety

as Jewish students

do not come from tents on campus.

We should be focusing

on the material reality of war.

The munitions

our government is sending to Israel,

which kill Palestinians by the thousands,

and the Americans

participating in the violence.

Do you think that protesting

the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,

protesting the tens of thousands

of innocent people

who have died there,

is anti-Semitic in and of itself?

I think there's always a place

for debate in the free exchange of ideas.

But let's not equivocate

on what's happening in Hamas

with Hamas and in Gaza.

This is a battle, as Netanyahu

said, Prime Minister Netanyahu said,

between good versus

evil, light versus darkness,

civilization versus barbarism.

This isn't a close call.

We have terrorist

who preyed upon

and attacked viciously and killed

many innocent Israelis.

And the idea that they would be out here

in support of that.

Hamas is using civilians

as as shields for themselves.

They put their

their operations

under hospitals and schools.

They are

they're using civilians

in a theater of war.

And so it's difficult.

Why would someone blame Israel

for trying to stamp out

the very terrorist threats

that are right there on the doorstep?

We should not be dictating

to Israel their military strategy.

We should be supporting our ally,

which is the only stable democracy.

Is there anything Israel could do

that would be over the line for you?

Because when you talk about

stamping it out,

I mean, many innocent children have died

and are dying at Israel's hands.

And the IDF,

they have there have

been civilians murdered.

But that is not

the fault of Israel,

is the fault of the terrorists, the Hamas

operators and soldiers, the terrorists

who have used these people

and put them into harm's way.

Israel,

I'm convinced, is doing its very best

to prevent civilian casualties.

But this is a war,

and they're fighting

for their very existence,

and they are not the aggressors.

It is the other side.

Some of the people here

seem not to understand that,

and I think that's a real problem.

We can debate the merits

of all these things,

but what they're doing here

is intimidating Jewish students.

That's the thing that is so problematic.

All right.

So let me ask you about that,

because when it comes to that, the NYPD,

at least

as of Monday, said

they've not received a single

call from Columbia University of reports

of any physical harm.

No physical harm. Right.

But you have to speak

to these Jewish students

who are in fear of their lives,

who were cowering in their apartments

right now, who are not coming to class.

In fact,

the administration recognized

the threat was so great,

they canceled classes.

Now they've come out with this

hybrid idea.

Well, if you're Jewish,

maybe you do want to stay at home.

Maybe you'd be better off for you.

But it's so discriminatory.

It's so wrong in every way.

The responsibility

of a university

administrator is to keep peace on campus

and ensure the safety of students.

Job number one.

If they're incapable of doing that,

they need different leadership.

I think this is time

for a really strong hand.

I'm trying to understand, though,

why is Speaker of the House

this is an issue

you would want to get involved with.

It's a private university.

It's an issue happening here.

Why is this something

that you are choosing to get involved in,

in calling for the removal

of the president of a private university?

Well, they they receive federal

funding as well.

And Congress

is looking at all of these aspects

to determine

how they're using those funds.

Is that appropriate

if they can't fulfill

their basic obligations?

I don't think the American taxpayers

want to be funding this kind of thing.

We know that professors are are engaging

in this as well.

Some of the professors,

some have been supportive

of the Jewish students.

But I believe it's a small subset

for one I've told.

They've allowed this to go on

and it is not okay

with the American people.

This isn't a partizan issue.

This is about right and wrong.

And we've got to call it for what it is.

And so when

when people talk about genocide

and say that Israel is

engaging in genocide,

do you think that that is

a legitimate conversation

that they should be allowed

to have as part of First Amendment

rights here?

Well, of course.

Look, I was a First Amendment lawyer

for 20 years.

I went to the courts and defended

our First Amendment freedoms,

religious expression,

the right of free speech on campus.

I litigated those cases.

Of course,

the university is supposed to be

the free marketplace of ideas.

But when you shout down

and physically threaten

with intimidation

and threats of violence,

the other side, that is not a peaceful

expression as people's

peaceful exchange of ideas.

That's something very different.

And that's what we're saying

they need to get control of

when they camp out around the campus

and they prevent students

from exercising their rights.

That's the problem.

Before you go, obviously,

we're here in New York

as there's been threats

to your speakership back in Washington.

What does it say about

your standing as speaker

that you are here

at Columbia University

dealing with this issue right now?

The speaker of the House

is has a very important

constitutional responsibility.

It's an officer

listed in the Constitution.

The speaker speaks

for the House of Representatives.

And I felt

it was very important, important

for that voice to be heard

not just about what happens at Columbia,

but about what is happening right now

around the country.

And we have to stand unequivocally

for the right

and the good and I'm

calling on all my colleagues

on both sides of the aisle

to speak out against this,

not to not to endorse it, not to

to coddle these people,

but to say this has to stop.

We have to treat every single person

with dignity and respect.

And that's not happening here

and it's an atrocity.

Speaker Johnson, thanks

very much for your time. Thank you.

Conducted that interview just

about a couple hours ago.