New York City police responded early Monday morning after the campaign office of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was vandalized with red paint and an anti-Israel slogan criticizing her recent vote on U.S. aid to Israel.
The graffiti, scrawled across the front entrance in red paint, read:
“AOC funds genocide in Gaza.”
The vandals also splashed paint across the door and sidewalk before fleeing. Authorities arrived on the scene at approximately 1:00 a.m. and are currently investigating the incident.
Political Backlash After Gaza Vote
The vandalism comes days after Ocasio-Cortez joined Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) in voting for a failed amendment that would have cut U.S. funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
Ocasio-Cortez, who has long been critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, claimed she opposed the amendment because it didn’t go far enough.
“It only cut defensive funding,” AOC argued, “but did nothing to cut off the actual bombs killing Palestinians.”
Greene’s “America First” Amendment Blocked
Rep. Greene’s amendment sought to eliminate $500 million in funding for the Iron Dome, part of the U.S.’s $3.8 billion annual aid package to Israel. She introduced the proposal after an Israeli airstrike reportedly damaged the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, killing civilians sheltering inside.
“We are $37 trillion in debt,” Greene said. “My amendment will ensure an America First Department of Defense—that is exactly what we need.”
Voting in favor of Greene’s amendment were members of the progressive “Squad,” including Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and AOC herself.
Church Bombing Draws Global Attention
The strike on the Catholic church drew sharp criticism from the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the incident and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“His Holiness was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life… and assures the parish community of his spiritual closeness,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, speaking on behalf of the Pope.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the church was hit by “stray ammunition.”
