Dem Sen. Mark Kelly Backs Law Enforcement Breaking Up Pro-Palestine College Protests If There Are ‘Unlawful Acts’

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) said he supports law enforcement breaking up college protests especially when students “cross a line” and “commit crimes.”

The Arizona senator joined NBC News anchor Kristen Welker for an interview on Sunday’s Meet The Press, where he discussed the recent nationwide protests sweeping college campuses due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Earlier this week, law enforcement on campuses such as UCLA and Columbia University begun removing pro-Palestine protesters from occupying buildings and public areas, leading to the arrests of thousands across the country.

Kelly told Welker that many of the protesters are not students and are looking to escalate tensions. Moreover, the senator noted that “rising anti-Semitism” at the demonstrations “is of great concern.”

KELLY: Everybody has the right to protest peacefully, but when it turns into unlawful acts. We’ve seen this in a number of colleges and universities, including here in Arizona. It’s appropriate for the police to step in.

WELKER: I want to get your reaction to how some Republicans are describing these protesters. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said Columbia leadership, quote, has lost complete control of the pro Hamas anti-Semitic mob. Senator Marco Rubio called the protesters anti-Semitic zombies. Senator Tom Cotton referred to the protesters as pro Hamas sympathizers, fanatics and freaks. What is your reaction to hearing those descriptions of the protester?

KELLY: Well, some of these protesters aren’t even students, right? I mean, we know that they’re showing up on campuses and they’re becoming involved. And when they cross a line and when they commit crimes, they should be arrested. That’s the appropriate thing to do. We saw that in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona, where where Gabby and I live. You know, just the other day, I don’t think it’s helpful, for, you know, anybody, especially in a leadership position to say things that are escalatory. I’m not suggesting that every one of those things were…I think I agree with some of that sentiment.

WELKER: What do you agree with?

KELLY: Well, I mean, you have some individuals, a certain group of them that show up to peacefully protest. And then you have others that want conflict, and in some cases, they’ve even assaulted police officers. And those individuals need to be dealt with appropriately. And and students on campus should be able to go to classrooms, get their education, not be intimidated. And the rising anti-Semitism that we’ve seen is of great concern for me. And I think it should be for everybody in elected office.

Watch the clip above via NBC News.