Advertisement
A campaign office for Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Bronx, New York, was vandalised this week as political tensions flare following her recent stance on U.S. military aid to Israel. Red paint was splashed across the building’s exterior, and a message reading “AOC funds genocide in Gaza” was written on a sign just outside the entrance. The New York Police Department is currently investigating the act as a potential political hate crime. So far, no suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The vandalism comes at a time when AOC’s recent vote in Congress has drawn both backlash and confusion from many progressive supporters. Last week, she voted against an amendment proposed by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene that would have halted funding for Israel’s missile defence systems. Although Ocasio-Cortez has been vocal in her condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, at one point even referring to it as genocide, she rejected the amendment, stating that simply slashing defence funds without addressing the wider military operations would not effectively end the violence or save lives.
The decision triggered immediate criticism, particularly from the Democratic Socialists of America, a political organisation that has long supported Palestinian rights. The group released a statement expressing disappointment in AOC’s vote, arguing that her public recognition of human rights abuses in Gaza should have been matched by action in Congress. They described her support for continued military aid as both disappointing and inconsistent with her earlier statements.
AOC’s campaign manager, Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, reported that in addition to the vandalism, the congresswoman and her team have received multiple death threats in recent days. He emphasised that security measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Ocasio-Cortez, her staff, and volunteers working at the office. The threats have added to an already tense atmosphere, where political actions on international issues are now fueling local unrest.
In response to the criticism, AOC explained via social media that her goal is not just to target missile defence systems but to find more strategic, effective solutions to reduce civilian harm in Gaza. She reiterated that she also voted against the broader defence spending bill and continues to push for accountability in how U.S. military aid is used abroad.
The incident reflects the broader national and global divide over the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which has polarised American politicians and the public alike. For Ocasio-Cortez, known for her progressive advocacy, the moment is proving to be a challenging balance between standing by her ideals and making nuanced legislative decisions in an increasingly charged environment.