VIDEO: Protestors Deface Major American Monument

Tensions have never been higher on University campuses.

Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert found herself in a heated confrontation during her visit to George Washington University (GWU), where tensions flared between her delegation of House GOP colleagues and pro-Palestinian protesters.

Arriving at the campus in Washington, D.C., Boebert and her fellow Republicans aimed to address what they saw as antisemitism within the student-led protests condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. In a series of videos circulating on social media, Boebert is seen attempting to remove a Palestinian flag from a statue of George Washington, arguing that it constituted an infringement on private property rights.

However, a faculty member intervened, reminding Boebert that the statue did not belong to her. Despite this, Boebert persisted in demanding the removal of the flag, underscoring the contentious nature of the encounter.

The protests at GWU mirrored similar demonstrations erupting on college campuses nationwide, echoing the call for universities to divest from Israel and endorse a ceasefire in Gaza. Central to the protesters’ demands was the accusation of genocide against Palestinians by the Israeli government, particularly in the wake of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel, which precipitated the ongoing conflict.

Reports of antisemitic incidents linked to these protests have drawn bipartisan condemnation, with lawmakers pledging to safeguard Jewish students. Boebert’s visit to GWU followed a pattern of Republican engagements on college campuses, mirroring Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s recent visit to Columbia University, which was met with vocal opposition.

Joined by her Republican colleagues, including Representatives James Comer, Byron Donalds, and Anna Paulina Luna, Boebert’s presence on the GWU campus further escalated tensions. Videos capturing the confrontation depict Boebert defending her actions, asserting the flag’s removal as a protection of private property rights.

However, her remarks were met with skepticism from protesters, highlighting the stark ideological divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Boebert’s subsequent press conference on campus was marred by heckling and chants of “Free Palestine,” underscoring the deeply polarized atmosphere.

Amidst the controversy, Boebert’s support for the Antisemitism Awareness Act, passed in the House, drew attention. The bill’s implications for federal funding and its broader definition of antisemitism have sparked debate over free speech and political expression.

WATCH:

Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert scuffled with protesters at George Washington University (GWU) when trying to remove a Palestinian flag from a statue during her visit today.

The protesters quickly maneuvered to block her from taking it down and her security ushered her… pic.twitter.com/9ZBoGKJWtr

— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) May 1, 2024