Washington, D.C. In his first public speech on this week's turmoil on college campuses, President Joe Biden denounced violence, destruction, and antisemitism while upholding the right of pro-Palestinian demonstrators to peacefully express their opinions.

In previously unplanned remarks on Thursday from the White House Roosevelt Room, Biden called for nonviolent protest in an effort to find a balance with the upheaval on campus."in the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues" but making clear "violent protest is not protected."

"Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It's against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancelation of classes and graduations, none of this is a peaceful protest," Biden said. "Threatening people, intimidating people, instilling fear in people is not peaceful protest."

Prior to this, Biden had said nothing in response to student demonstrations sparked by Israel's attack in Gaza. In an attempt to bring the Democratic coalition together, Biden's reelection campaign has complicated his response.

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"We're a civil society and order must prevail," Biden said. "There’s the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos."

In his contest against former President Donald Trump, Biden faces opposition from a large number of young progressive voters due to his unwavering support of Israel's fight against Hamas. However, the violent events on college campuses have given Republicans and Trump a new avenue to attack in their attempt to link Biden to the instability.

"In moments like this, there are always those who rush in to score political points," Biden said, "but this isn't a moment for politics, it's a moment for clarity."

Any suggestion that Biden's comments were spurred by criticism from Trump was refuted by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre."When it comes to something like this, he doesn't need to follow anyone," Jean-Pierre said.

This week's surge of protests has resulted in the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators on college campuses around the nation. A day after New York police detained over 300 people at Columbia University and City College, riot gear-clad police officers in Los Angeles arrested 132 people at UCLA on Wednesday night.

"We all see the images, and they put to the test two fundamental American principles," Biden said. "The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld. We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent."

Biden's last public remarks regarding the protests were delivered to reporters on April 22, a few days prior to the mass arrests by the police at UCLA, Columbia University, and other universities where students had set up camp or occupied academic facilities.

When asked by a reporter if the demonstrations had made him reevaluate his stance on Israel, Biden said, "No."

Additionally, Biden stated that he doesn't think the National Guard should break up protests, as some Republicans have insisted.

During his speech, Biden reaffirmed his condemnation of antisemitism that has been shown up at some marches., saying "there should be no place in any campus, no place in America for antisemitism or threats of violence against Jewish students."

"It's simply wrong," Biden said.