House Democrats refused to condemn or comment on protests in New York where pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the Brooklyn Bridge burned American flags and chanted “Death to America”.
A reporter asked Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Katie Porter if they supported such protests, condemned burning flags, or had a problem with chants of “Death to America”.
“Anti-Israel protesters blocking the Brooklyn Bridge were burning the American flag and chanting ‘Death to America,’” the reporter said to Pressley. “Do you support that type of protest? Congresswoman, do you support burning the American flag and chanting Death to America?”
However, none of the Democrats would directly answer or acknowledge the questions, with Ocasio-Cortez claiming she was unaware of the reports and Porter’s staff interrupting attempts to get her to comment.
The Democrats avoided responding to whether they supported or condemned the specific protest actions described by the reporter.
“Does it sound like this is pro-Palestinian or anti-American if they’re burning American flags and chanting Death to America?” the reporter asked AOC.
“I’m, I’m not privy to–, to, I haven’t seen these reports,” AOC said. “I’d have to check for them myself.”
“We’ve gotta get her onto her next event,” Porter’s staffer stated.
“Are you okay with people burning the American flag?” the reporter asked.
“If you’d like to follow up with us–” the staffer said.
“Are you okay with people chanting Death to America?” the reporter cut in. “Congresswoman Porter, are you okay with people chanting Death to America? Is it okay? Do you not have a problem with it?”
