House Democrats who had strongly condemned attacks on police during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol are now speaking out against police being injured at anti-Israel protests happening at universities across the country. Members of the now-defunct House select committee, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have stated that they condemn all attacks on law enforcement without making direct comparisons to the Capitol riot. Meanwhile, Rep. Eric Swalwell and a source familiar with Rep. Bennie Thompson’s thinking also expressed condemnation of any form of violence, including attacks on police.
Reports have emerged of police officers being injured during anti-Israel protests at various universities, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Utah, Emerson College in Boston, and the University of California, Los Angeles. The violence and clashes between students and police at these protests have raised concerns about the safety of all students on campus. The Government Accountability Office reported that 114 Capitol Police officers were injured during the Capitol riot, with one officer dying on the scene of natural causes and four others committing suicide in the following seven months.
Some House Democrats, however, have not directly addressed the recent attacks against police officers. Rep. Adam Schiff’s spokesperson redirected focus to earlier statements condemning attacks on Jewish students, particularly during the violent demonstrations that have escalated at several campuses across the nation. Despite multiple requests, Pelosi’s office, as well as the offices of House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Rep. Jamie Raskin, did not provide comments on the recent attacks against police, despite previously condemning attacks on police during the Jan. 6 riot.
In an effort to protect the safety and well-being of all students, lawmakers are calling for an end to violence and intimidation on college campuses during anti-Israel protests. The recent rise in violent clashes and targeting of Jewish students has created unsafe learning environments, affecting the ability of all students to pursue their education without fear or discrimination. While politicians have emphasized their condemnation of attacks on law enforcement, particularly in the context of the Capitol riot, the focus is now on addressing the current challenges faced by police and students at universities across the country.
As the debate continues over the response to anti-Israel protests and attacks on police, there is a need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals on college campuses. Lawmakers are being called upon to condemn violence in all forms, protect the rights of students to express their opinions without fear of intimidation, and uphold the principles of democracy and peaceful protest. By addressing these issues head-on and working together to find solutions, lawmakers can help create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all members of the university community.
