If the Muslim Brotherhood had militias, “they would have defended themselves in front of the presidential palace and killed the other [protesters],” the vice president of the group’s political party said on privately owned Mehwar channel Sunday night.

Freedom and Justice Party deputy Essam al-Erian told host Amr al-Liethy that for the first time, the Brotherhood is seriously considering arming its youth members to protect its offices. 

Erian directly addressed those he said wished to create chaos in Egypt, particularly foreigners, saying it “will never happen” even if they spent billions of dollars.

“People are smarter than you are,” he said, addressing those plotting against Egypt, “and able to protect themselves and their country.”