In response to the nationwide demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has defended the police crackdown on campus protests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and the right to protest. While the crackdown has faced criticism from some, including fellow Democrats, Adams asserts that the use of force was necessary when protests turned violent.

Speaking to ABC News "This Week," Adams explained that the large-scale police intervention witnessed at Columbia University and other campuses was a result of effective communication between law enforcement and school officials. He emphasized that the police respected legal procedures and refrained from overstepping their authority, with intervention requiring permission unless there was an imminent threat to life or severe threat to property.

Acknowledging the criticism leveled at the response to protesters from some Democrats, Adams maintained that everyone has the right to express their opinions. However, he stressed that his primary responsibility lies in safeguarding the city's security. Adams also expressed concerns about the radicalization of young people and the presence of certain individuals involved in the protests, leading him to urge caution regarding the demonstrations.

Despite the arrests and disruptions witnessed on college campuses, Adams encouraged universities to proceed with their planned graduation ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy. He pledged to ensure that such events are carried out peacefully, allowing families to partake in this significant milestone.

City officials have alleged that the protests have been "co-opted" by outside agitators, a claim contested by pro-Palestinian supporters. When pressed on this characterization, Adams stood by it, asserting that individuals who are not affiliated with a particular college and engage in disruptive behavior are indeed outsiders and agitators. His priority, he emphasized, is ensuring the continued safety of New York City.

According to officials, more than 2,400 protesters affiliated and not affiliated with educational institutions have been arrested in connection with ongoing campus protests across the country. Adams stated that while individuals are free to protest within the city, those who are not enrolled at a particular college and engage in disruptive behavior are considered outsiders.

As the debate continues regarding the crackdown on campus protests and the clash between the right to protest and maintaining security, Mayor Adams remains resolute in his commitment to the safety of New York City. With tensions running high, it is essential to find a balance that upholds democratic rights while ensuring public safety in these challenging times.