The White House rebuffed Speaker Mike Johnson’s plea to deploy the National Guard to quell pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that such decisions fall within the purview of state governors, emphasizing it's their prerogative to request such assistance.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has refrained from seeking federal aid to manage the escalating protests, sparked by the presence of police on the campus leading to numerous arrests.
These protests have proliferated to various college campuses nationwide, prompting increasing pressure from Republicans for the administration to mobilize National Guard units.
During his visit to Columbia, Johnson asserted his intent to directly appeal to President Biden for action, amidst vocal opposition from protesters who deemed the campus situation "perilous."
Johnson emphasized the necessity of containment and cessation of threats and intimidation, warning of the potential need for National Guard intervention if the situation remains unchecked.
