Vice President Kamala Harris was caught on camera clapping along to a Puerto Rican protest song during a visit to San Juan on Friday, stopping shortly after an aide translated what the singer had added to the lyrics.
After speaking in Puerto Rico’s capital, Harris visited the Goyoko Community Center in San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood, where he took a tour and heard from center staff and community leaders.
The motorcade was met by dozens of rowdy protesters and onlookers on the sidewalk. One held a placard that read “Kamala Harris War Criminal,” while another called the United States and Israel “genocide.”
The vice president stopped in the courtyard of a community center where a group of six musicians were playing. Cameras in the pool captured Harris looking and listening, clapping his hands and nodding his head. The singer then performed with piano accompaniment. Harris applauded until an aide next to him translated what the band was saying, according to RNC Research.
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Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Hispanic Federation President Frankie Miranda applaud during a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, March 22, 2024. Harris visited Puerto Rico to tout the federal aid the U.S. territory is receiving. He lived through a deadly hurricane and attended a Democratic Party fundraiser. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
According to the Associated Press, the woman standing next to Harris is Mariana Reyes, executive director of La Goico, and the man is Frankie Miranda, president of the Hispanic Federation.
“What we want to know is, Kamala, what did you come here for?…Long live the freedom of Palestine and Haiti!” According to an account managed by the Republican National Committee, the band said:
Harris then stopped clapping, instead folding his hands and nodding briefly as the song continued.
Secretary of State Mariana Reyes (left) accompanies Vice President Kamala Harris during a visit to the La Goico Cultural Center in San Juan on Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
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People protest outside a facility where Vice President Kamala Harris is holding a meeting, Friday, March 22, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
Before visiting the community center, Harris had visited a home in the San Juan suburbs. The home was damaged by Hurricane Maria, but solar panels and a water tank were later installed through a federal program. He was joined by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Adrian Todman, and Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
“All we all have to do is provide capacity and resources to our communities and our people here. So President Joe Biden and I want to do what we do for our leaders, our people, and our families. “To date, our administration has invested more than $140 billion in Puerto Rico.” Championed innovation.
A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest against the visit of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
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“For the family that you see behind me, the multi-generational family, it means extraordinary things in terms of quality of life. Part of the challenge that Puerto Rico has faced, we know, is the intermittent power and energy. These extreme weather energy sources and the installation of this smart technology, including solar panels, will allow for a more stable energy source for families here. This will also improve quality of life and well-being. and the dignity of each family in being able to meet their basic needs,” she said.
FOX News’ Sarah Tobiansky contributed to this report.
