President Joe Biden has officially spoken out against the recent violence on college campuses, marking his first public address on the issue amid ongoing student protests related to Israel's actions in Gaza.
In his remarks delivered from the Roosevelt Room, Biden emphasized the importance of 'peaceful 'protest as a fundamental American tradition but clarified that violent protests, including vandalism and intimidation, are not protected forms of expression.
He reiterated the need for civil order and dismissed claims that his response was influenced by political adversaries, including former President Donald Trump. This comes as police actions on campuses like UCLA and Columbia University have led to the arrest of hundreds, highlighting tensions between the right to free speech and maintaining public order.