Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), a member of the “Squad,” apologized for denying that Hamas raped women and committed other atrocities during the terrorist group’s Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.
Monday WNYC Radio InterviewThe progressive lawmaker acknowledged he was wrong to initially downplay rape allegations by Hamas in the weeks after last year’s terror attacks.
“I apologize for my comments,” Bowman told a listener who questioned the on-air propaganda claims.
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Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York finally apologized for claiming on October 7 that accusations that Hamas rapes women were “propaganda.” (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc.)
The congressman made his controversial first remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally in Westchester, New York, on November 17.
“They used propaganda at the beginning of the siege,” he told about 50 protesters. “We still don’t have evidence of decapitated babies or raped women, but they’re still using that lie.” [for] Advertising.”
Bowman admitted he was wrong several months after making the allegations, and the following March he issued a statement acknowledging reports that Hamas had committed rape during deadly attacks.
Politico reported his remarks.In it, he said, “The UN has confirmed that Hamas has committed rape and sexual violence, which is a reprehensible fact that I fully condemn. I also voted for Resolution 966, which officially condemns rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas. So I want to be clear and assure you that my words are not misconstrued. I will always oppose all forms of sexual violence and support peace for all.”
In an interview with WNYC this week, Bowman noted that she changed her tune once she saw the evidence from the UN, saying: [United Nations] As further evidence was presented, I voted to condemn sexual assault.”
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Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) speaks at the National Action Network’s (NAN) three-day annual national conference in New York City on April 7, 2022. Getty Images Westchester County Mayor George Latimer, New York. (Getty/Westchester County)
“As soon as we received additional information from the United Nations, we condemned sexual violence, we voted to condemn it, and we are continuing that work,” he said elsewhere.
“The Squad” members displayed humility in interviews and admitted that the allegations made on November 17 were “incorrect.”
“I’m not perfect. I’m going to make mistakes. I’m going to say things that are hurtful, even if I don’t mean to. And when I do, I’m going to take responsibility for them. I’m going to accept responsibility,” he told WNYC.
He added: “I want to learn and grow and be the best representative I can be. That’s what my mother raised me to be, that’s who I am as an educator and who I am now.”
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Bowman is facing off in the Democratic primary for New York’s 16th congressional district against Westchester County Mayor George Latimer, who was recently endorsed by Hillary Clinton, an endorsement Bowman dismissed during a recent appearance on CNN.
New York Post He cited a recent Emerson College/WPIX poll showing Bowman trailing Latimer by 17 points among likely voters.
