House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and several Republican colleagues faced sharp opposition during a visit to Columbia University.

The group, which included Reps. Virginia Foxx, Nicole Malliotakis, Anthony D'Esposito, and Mike Lawler, intended to address concerns regarding anti-Semitism and threats towards Jewish students, as Axios reported, but was met with strong resistance.

Johnson's 18-minute press conference at Columbia's Low Library was disrupted by vocal protests and heckling, challenging the legislators as they spoke.

Protests Intensify Amid Political Visit

Protesters at the event were not shy about expressing their discontent. Chants like "Mike, you suck" and "free, free Palestine" filled the air, reflecting the tension over the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that had been active for over a week. The situation escalated with hecklers directing more personal jibes such as "grandstand louder" and "speak up, you piece of s***!" at the lawmakers.

During the press conference, a heckler questioned Johnson on his political future, asking, "How does it feel knowing your own party's going to vote you out?" Johnson, maintaining composure, underscored his dedication to America, asserting, "It doesn't matter who shouts in our faces, we are going to do what's right by America."

Despite the hostile reception, Johnson reiterated his commitment to free speech and lawful conduct. He emphasized, "We respect free speech, we respect diversity of ideas, but there is a way to do that in a lawful manner and that's not what this is."

New York Democrats Criticize Johnson's Approach

The visit drew criticism from local New York Democrats who accused Johnson of using the chaotic situation to advance a political agenda. Gov. Kathy Hochul commented on the matter, stating, "Bringing the entourage to put a spotlight on this is only adding to the division."

Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman echoed this sentiment, viewing the visit as "another tactic in the right-wing's attack on our educational institutions and an attempt to silence anti-war and pro-Palestinian sentiment."

The criticism highlighted the deepening divide over how to handle the protests and the broader implications for campus safety and political discourse.

Johnson Calls for Stronger Measures

Amid the escalating tensions, Johnson did not hold back on his proposals for restoring order. He called for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and expressed plans to reach out to President Biden to demand further action.

Highlighting the severity of the threats, Johnson suggested that the deployment of the National Guard could be considered if the situation did not improve. He noted, "There is executive authority that would 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."

This statement marked a significant escalation in the proposed response to the ongoing campus protests and reflected the potential for further governmental involvement.

Bipartisan Efforts Address Campus Tensions

While Johnson and his Republican colleagues were at the center of controversy, other bipartisan efforts were underway to address the issues at Columbia. Four Jewish House Democrats, along with other representatives like Lawler and D'Esposito, held related events at or near the university.

These events aimed to provide a broader perspective on the challenges faced by Jewish students and to promote a dialogue on how best to ensure their safety and rights are protected amidst the ongoing protests.

The collaboration among members of both parties highlights the complex nature of the issues at Columbia, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to resolve them.

Conclusion: A University at a Crossroads

As Columbia University continues to grapple with pro-Palestinian protests and accusations of antisemitism, the visit by House Speaker Mike Johnson and colleagues highlights the national attention these issues have attracted.

While facing significant opposition, Johnson's call for decisive action indicates a pivotal moment for the university's administration and the broader educational community.

The events at Columbia not only reflect the tensions within the campus but also the broader societal conflicts over free speech, political activism, and the role of education in addressing complex global issues.