Pam Bondi accused demonstrators of “inciting violence” against Jewish students.
Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi has characterized pro-Palestine student protesters as “domestic terrorists,” and cautioned that universities could risk losing federal funding if they fail to adequately address anti-Semitism on their campuses.
During a Fox News appearance on Sunday, Bondi addressed the recent turmoil at Columbia University and called on institutions to take stronger measures to safeguard Jewish students.
“It’s absurd that these universities are not stepping in to protect them, yet they’re shielding these protesters who are also, I believe, some domestic terrorists,” she stated. Bondi alleged that the demonstrators were “inciting riots and… violence against students on college campuses,” though she did not provide specific instances.
“We’re going to pull it from every university if you do not comply with the law,” Bondi warned, referencing the Trump administration’s decision to withhold $400 million in funding from Columbia University due to its alleged failure to curb anti-Semitic harassment.
In February, the Justice Department established a task force involving multiple agencies to combat anti-Semitism, prioritizing the targeting of harassment in schools and universities. Officials stated that the task force would coordinate federal enforcement efforts and “root out” anti-Semitic behavior across campuses nationwide.
Protests erupted on campuses throughout the United States last year, with students demanding an end to US support for Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza. These demonstrations followed the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. Subsequently, Israeli forces launched a large-scale offensive that, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, has caused over 50,000 fatalities and ব্যাপক destruction within the Palestinian territory. Columbia University, along with UC Berkeley, Harvard, Yale, Michigan, and Northwestern, became a central hub for the protest movement in the US.
Protesters, including Jewish students, maintain that criticizing Israeli policy is distinct from anti-Semitism and assert that advocating for Palestinian rights aligns with fundamental American values. Conversely, others on campus have voiced concerns that the protests foster a hostile atmosphere. A Columbia University task force later identified “serious and pervasive” issues impacting Jewish students.
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