At a campaign stop at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on October 17, Vice President Kamala Harris was interrupted by a protester accusing Israel of committing genocide.
The protester repeatedly shouted about the billions of dollars in support for genocide, referencing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Harris responded by acknowledging the seriousness of the protester’s concerns, stating, “What he’s talking about, it’s real,” while emphasizing that it wasn’t the topic she intended to discuss at the event, The New York Post reported.
The protester was escorted out after accusing Harris of not addressing the deaths of children.
After the protester was removed, Harris told the audience she respected his right to speak and reiterated the gravity of the issue.
Her remarks were met with criticism, including from former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who condemned Harris for seemingly validating the claim of genocide, The Post reported.
He argued that her comments were a dangerous mischaracterization of Israel’s defensive war against Hamas.
Harris’s comments came just one day after Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Though a Harris campaign official later clarified that her comments do not reflect the position of the Biden-Harris administration, the incident has fueled ongoing concerns among Jewish voters regarding their support for the Democratic Party.