Columbia student's remarks about 'murdering Zionists' condemned by White House: 'A wakeup call'

Columbia University student was banned from its campus after the White House criticized their remarks about "murdering Zionists."

On Friday, Columbia junior Khymani James expressed regret after a video of him previously suggesting people should be "grateful" he wasn't "murdering Zionists" went viral online.

In January, during a livestream of an official Columbia inquiry, James made inflammatory comments that were first reported by The Daily Wire.

"White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that the offensive statements made by some individuals are both dangerous and appalling, and should serve as a warning to those who engage in such behavior. President Biden has made it clear that hate speech, violent rhetoric, and antisemitic remarks are unacceptable in America, and he will always take a stand against them."

Bates stated that a White House employee would be fired instantly if they made similar statements.

On Friday, a Columbia University spokesperson announced that James had been banned from the campus, and disciplinary proceedings are currently underway, according to university sources.

The video was previously described as "extremely alarming and upsetting" by the University in a campus update.

"The university policy prohibits calls of violence and statements directed at individuals based on their religious, ethnic, or national identity. When violations of student conduct policies occur, they are reviewed and disciplinary measures are applied."

"Columbia President's Office released a statement on Friday, stating that many students feel threatened by the campus atmosphere and language used, which led to their departure. This is unacceptable. Additionally, students are concerned about being able to speak out for causes they are passionate about, which is also unacceptable. The research and teaching mission of our university is built on academic freedom and a community free from discrimination and harassment for all members."

James stated in a resurfaced video that a Zionist is a White supremacist.

""I hope to keep my life peaceful and never hurt anyone," he said."

James was featured in CBS News and The New York Times as a representative of the anti-Israel protests at Columbia. At the age of 17, he was highlighted in the Boston Globe for his aggressive approach to combating injustice.

Recently, President Joe Biden faced criticism for his response to anti-Israel protests on college campuses. Despite not having traveled to Columbia University yet, he has been criticized for his statement on the matter.

After the president's Earth Day remarks at Prince William Forest Park in Virginia, reporters questioned Biden about the antisemitic protests on college campuses.

He condemned the antisemitic protests and set up a program to address the issue. Additionally, he condemned those who lacked understanding of the Palestinian situation.

Planet Chronicle' Alexa Moutevelis and Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.