You can read the transcript here.
He started by pointing out two fundamental principles of this republic:
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. The American people are heard. In fact, peaceful protest is in the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues.
But — but neither are we a lawless country. We are a civil society, and order must prevail.
Throughout our history, we’ve often faced moments like this because we are a big, diverse, free-thinking, and freedom-loving nation.
In moments like this, there are always those who rush in to score political points. But this isn’t a moment for politics. It’s a moment for clarity.
So, let me be clear. Peaceful protest in America — violent protest is not protected; peaceful protest is. It’s against the law when violence occurs.
Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It’s against the law.
Adding, a little bit later:
There should be no place on any campus, no place in America for antisemitism or threats of violence against Jewish students. There is no place for hate speech or violence of any kind, whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia, or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans.
It’s simply wrong. There is no place for racism in America. It’s all wrong. It’s un-American.
True.
