Speaker Johnson asserts that Columbia protests are not within the realm of protected free speech.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed concern over pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, stating that they have crossed a line.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Johnson emphasized that these protests do not fall under protected free speech.

“They are not only threatening students’ lives and chanting ‘death to America,’ but also taking control of buildings and shutting down campuses,” Johnson said. “This violates the rights of others, including Jewish students who are trying to pursue an education.”

A group of protesters occupied a building at Columbia University in New York early Tuesday, barricading entrances and displaying a Palestinian flag from a window in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict that has sparked demonstrations on college campuses nationwide.

In a statement, protesters stated their intention to remain in the building until the university met their demands for divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty.

Following failed negotiations, the university had given the protesters until 2 p.m. Monday to dismantle their encampment on campus, but they refused.

Johnson highlighted that Jewish students have faced intimidation and harassment, with some being advised not to attend campus despite paying tuition.

“When actions escalate to the point of threatening lives and perpetuating harassment and intimidation, that is against the law,” Johnson emphasized.

During his recent visit to Columbia, Jewish students handed Johnson flyers depicting a skunk over the Star of David, prompting Johnson to condemn such behavior as unacceptable.

Additionally, Johnson called for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign and suggested consequences for schools unable to manage campus safety, such as revoking federal funding and visas for violent protesters.

Due to the protests, the university has moved to online classes for the rest of the semester, and hundreds have been arrested in protests across the country.

This report includes information from the Associated Press.