Joe Biden Speaks On Raging Protests Across The Nation, College Campuses: ‘None Of This Is Peaceful’
President Joe Biden broke his silence about the firestorm of pro-Palestine and anti-war college campus demonstrations sweeping the nation in recent weeks.
After 10 days of disorder on college campuses, Biden explained that he understands the emotional unrest, but urges protesters to operate within the confines of the law.
"I understand people have strong feelings and deep convictions," he began. "In America, we respect the right and protect the right for them to express that," Biden, 81, said per CNN. "But it doesn't mean anything goes. It needs to be done without violence, without destruction, without hate, and within the law."
According to the New York Post, Biden addressed the matter in the White House Roosevelt Room on Thursday, where he acknowledged citizens right to peaceful protests. He also rejected calls to bring the national guard.
He also took some criticism for his lack of comment during a time of raging civil unrest across the country, saying, "But this isn't a time for politics, it's a moment for clarity."
"It is against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not a peaceful protest, it's against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations — none of this is a peaceful protest," he stated.
"Threatening people, intimidating people, instilling fear in people is not peaceful protest, it is against the law."
When Biden was asked whether or not growing protests were able to sway his fundamental position on Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip, he candidly answered, "No."
CNN reported that the president can't bear "a boiling summer of protests," considering the upcoming Democratic National Convention in August, followed by the November 5 election, where he will inevitably go toe-to-toe with Republican contender Donald Trump.
28 Google employees were recently canned due to their 10-hour long sit-in protest, which took place in both New York City and Sunnyvale, California.
