During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Alex Wagner Tonight,” Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) praised the peaceful nature of the encampment at Columbia University. He emphasized that despite certain images suggesting disorder at other protests, the majority of protests are peaceful. Bowman visited the Columbia encampment and noted that it had mental health support, a library, food, coffee, water, and clear demands related to protesting the treatment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Bowman criticized the use of military-dressed law enforcement officers at protests, stating that it brings disorder and chaos. He highlighted reports of a gun being fired at Columbia by a member of law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces for critical dialogue and discussion. Bowman stressed the need for peaceful protests to hold Congress accountable for its actions.
He concluded by calling for more peaceful protests to address important issues in Congress.
