Biden: 'Destroying property is not a peaceful protest'

[brooklynite]

Source: Washington Post

President Biden forcefully urged campus protesters to refrain from violence and intimidation Thursday morning, saying Americans have a right to peaceful protest but strongly condemning some of the tactics used.

“We've all seen the images, and they put to the test two fundamental American principles,” Biden said in quickly scheduled remarks at the White House. “The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld.”

He added: “Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is. … Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It’s against the law. Vandalism, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations. None of this is a peaceful protest.”

Biden also strongly condemned antisemitism and Islamophobia, as well as anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian rhetoric.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/05/02/university-protests-columbia-ucla-live-news/#link-NWKNKRRXJVADHL6L66ZYDMJZOQ

[AZLD4Candidate]

1. We, in the US, have a long history of vandalism as protest

Ask the British when we were colonies. We also have a long history of assault (tar and feathering), harassment (events leading to the Boston Massacre), destruction of property (Boston Tea Party), and violent insurrection (The American Rebellion and the Civil War).

I always find it funny when Americans says violent protest is bad when our country was founded on violent conquering and violent protest.

Not defending the acts of the Pro-Hamas, I just find is historically hypocritical.

[LauraInLA]

2. I agree with you to a point, but

Biden said, “Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is. … Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It’s against the law. Vandalism, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations. None of this is a peaceful protest.”

With civil disobedience come consequences. I hear a lot of people complaining about the consequences they will receive.

[LiberalFighter]

10. JD Vance agreed pro-palestine protesters that break in and vandalize the building should be prosecuted.

Then CNN Kaitlan Collins asked him about his support of the Capitol rioters on January 6.

[LauraInLA]

11. I loved reading about that! I need to find a clip so I can see his reaction ;).

[sarisataka]

3. In most of the cases you list

the vandalism was done directly to property of the actor in question of their agents.

The difference in the university cases is neither the universities nor the Jewish student are responsible for the actions of Israel. Nor do they have the ability to directly influence change.

[AZLD4Candidate]

9. Agree.

[maxsolomon]

4. Nice statement.

I'd have added that "most everyone wants an end to this conflict, and my Administration is working towards that goal every day, in every way possible."

[hueymahl]

5. Actions have consequences

100% support the protestors right to protest. But they have to accept the consequences also. Otherwise you come off as a bunch of privileged college students who have gotten participation trophies their whole life. Hardly the image of a virtuous civil radical, lol.

[mcar]

6. He is correct

Thank you President Biden.

[republianmushroom]

7. Agree with the President.

[tonekat]

8. Watching that kid breaking glass

It may have been at Columbia? He was breaking the pane of a door. Immediately reminded me of the J6 criminals.