Speaker Mike Johnson did not rule out the National Guard being necessary to quell the Gaza ceasefire protests at Columbia University. (Getty Images)
Later when asked whether he would urge President Biden to call the National Guard in to the campus, Johnson said he would be speaking with the president shortly – and did not rule out suggesting federal troops.
"My intention is to call President Biden after we leave here and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action. There is executive authority that'd be appropriate if this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard," Johnson said.
"We have to bring order to these campuses. We cannot allow this to happen around the country. We are better than this."
Johnson attacked the demonstrators as a "mob" and specifically denounced professors and other faculty who have joined the protests.
ANTISEMITIC AGITATORS: WHAT PROTESTERS AT ELITE US UNIVERSITIES ARE SHOUTING
Johnson signaled he may raise the matter with President Biden after his press conference. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The jeers grew louder while Johnson pressed on, "You cannot censor and silence viewpoints you disagree with. That is not American, but you do not understand what it means to respect the First Amendment."
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"My message to the students inside the encampment is it go back to class and stop the nonsense," he said. "If we want to have a debate on campus about the merits of there things, let's do that. But you can't intimidate your fellow students and make them stay home from class. Think about that. Is that right? Do you think that's right?"
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House about Johnson's comments regarding the National Guard.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
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