Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Bronx office faced vandalism from anti-Israel activists after she voted against a proposal to cut funding for Israeli defense. On Sunday, the East Bronx location was splattered with red paint and bore signs declaring “Gaza AOC Genocide.” This followed her decision to vote against an amendment that aimed to reduce aid for Israeli missile defense, which left some of her progressive colleagues feeling abandoned.
Images showed her face, displayed in a window, completely obscured by paint. A group called Boogie Down Liberation Front claimed responsibility, expressing discontent toward Ocasio-Cortez and criticizing her perceived hypocrisy regarding Israel.
“The Bronx is sick and tired of politicians like AOC using us for their careers,” the group stated. They emphasized their support for Palestinians and condemned what they view as Ocasio-Cortez’s complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The lawmaker faced backlash from progressive supporters after voting against an amendment proposed by Marjorie Taylor Greene, which sought to cut $500 million from Israel’s air defense systems. Ocasio-Cortez was joined by other members of the progressive “squad,” including Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.
Despite the criticism, the House approved the defense bill 221-209, ensuring $83.2 billion in funding for fiscal year 2026. Ocasio-Cortez later explained her vote on social media, emphasizing that the amendment did not limit offensive aid to Israel and would only dismantle defense measures while continuing the flow of ammunition into Gaza.
She expressed her commitment to focusing on reducing U.S. ammunition supplies that contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
