Johnson says calling National Guard on Columbia protests would be 'appropriate' if threats 'not stopped'
Protesters tried several times to derail Johnson's speech
By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News
Published April 24, 2024 5:24pm EDT
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.
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."
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/johnson-calling-national-guard-columbia-protests-appropriate-threats-not-stopped
