Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have drawn attention to President Joe Biden’s response, drawing comparisons to warnings issued during Donald Trump’s presidency. Nina Turner, a former Ohio state Senator, highlighted a video from a protest at Washington University in St. Louis, where police actions were likened to those cautioned against under Trump’s administration. The footage depicted what was described as the physical confrontation of a professor amidst ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations across various U.S. campuses.
In the video reposted by Turner, officers at Washington University were seen engaging with protestors, resulting in injuries to a professor identified as Steve Tamari. The severity of the incident prompted widespread concern, with reports of broken ribs and a broken hand. Washington University’s Chancellor, Andrew D. Martin, addressed the protests, affirming support for free expression while emphasizing the expectation for peaceful protest without causing harm.
Comparing How Biden Handles Protests to Trump’s Warnings (Credits: Newsweek)
Sandra Tamari, the professor’s wife, recounted her own arrest at the Gaza encampment protest, underscoring the alleged brutality inflicted by the police on her husband. She accused Washington University of using violence to suppress dissent and maintain complicity in what she termed genocide. Despite the confrontation, Tamari affirmed their resolve to continue the protest movement for Palestine.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have unfolded across several campuses, including Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the University of California, Los Angeles, indicating a broader wave of activism. Former President Donald Trump criticized Biden’s response to the protests, urging him to take a more assertive stance. Trump’s remarks underscored a perception of Biden’s leadership as lacking in vocal clarity and influence.
In addressing the criticisms, White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates reaffirmed President Biden’s denunciation of hate speech, notably including the term “intifada” as used within the context of the protests. Bates’s statement underscores the administration’s commitment to opposing inflammatory rhetoric amidst the multifaceted challenges presented by the ongoing demonstrations.
