During a recent town hall event in New York, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faced a heated confrontation from a protester who accused her of being a “liar” and a “war criminal.” The protester, identified as a health care worker, passionately questioned AOC about her stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, demanding to know what she was doing to address what she called a genocide.
The protest unfolded as the congresswoman was speaking to her constituents. The nurse shouted, “Shame on you! You’re a liar!” while other attendees reacted with boos and shouts of “Shame! Shame! Shame!” Some in the crowd, however, supported the protester’s right to speak.
AOC responded calmly, indicating she would be “happy” to answer questions from the protester. While she maintained her composure, several men escorted the protester out of the venue.
This incident highlights the growing tension surrounding AOC’s comments on Israel’s actions following Hamas’ attacks on Israeli civilians. She has previously labeled Israel’s response as “genocide,” which has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
In addition to the protest, Ocasio-Cortez used the town hall to challenge Tom Homan, a former Border Patrol chief, over her statements about advising undocumented immigrants on their legal rights. She defiantly told him to “come get me” for exercising her free speech. AOC emphasized that she was informing her constituents of their constitutional protections, including against illegal searches and seizures.
This isn’t the first time Ocasio-Cortez has faced protests during her events. She has been confronted multiple times, reflecting the polarized views on her political positions and actions.
As the town hall concluded, the atmosphere remained charged, showcasing the deep divisions in public opinion regarding both foreign policy and immigration issues.