AOC’s Queens town hall descended into chaos when a healthcare worker confronted the progressive congresswoman, accusing her of being a “war criminal” for her stance on the Gaza conflict. The protester, Jennifer Kings, demanded answers about “genocide in Gaza” before being removed from the venue. Despite criticizing Israel and advocating for conditional military aid, AOC is facing growing backlash from pro-Palestinian supporters.
Heated Town Hall Confrontation
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent town hall in Queens turned chaotic when a healthcare worker identified as Jennifer Kings disrupted the event. As AOC began her presentation about Trump administration budget cuts, Kings stood up and shouted, “I am a healthcare worker, and I want to know what you’re doing about the genocide in Gaza!” The confrontation quickly escalated as Kings called the congresswoman a “liar” and a “war criminal” while security personnel moved to intervene.
Kings continued her tirade, comparing AOC unfavorably to Republicans by saying, “At least with the Republican Party we know what we are dealing with; you’re a snake.” The outburst forced the progressive Democrat to pause her presentation and address the disruption before continuing with the scheduled event. The intense exchange became the latest example of mounting pressure AOC faces from her constituents regarding her position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
HAHA: AOC gets heckled at her Town Hall by pro Palestinian protestors 🤣 "You're a war criminal!" 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/cvT3AAwu4y
— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) May 3, 2025
AOC’s Gaza Stance Under Scrutiny
While Ocasio-Cortez has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including accusations of “genocide,” and has advocated for withholding U.S. military aid to Israel, many pro-Palestinian activists argue her position doesn’t go far enough. This incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the congresswoman and constituents disappointed with her handling of the issue, highlighting the growing tension between progressive lawmakers and their base over foreign policy matters.
The Gaza conflict has intensified since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in thousands of casualties on both sides. The International Criminal Court recently issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, further inflaming tensions. Within this context, American politicians like AOC find themselves navigating difficult waters as they attempt to balance humanitarian concerns with political realities.
AOC is a "war criminal!" screams a heckler at the congresswoman's Jackson Heights town hall.
I didn't know Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez commands armies in Israel-Palestine 😱 pic.twitter.com/RS45yOoHVS
— Ian Chase McMath (@IanMcMath92) May 3, 2025
Political Implications of the Confrontation
Currently on tour with Senator Bernie Sanders to mobilize voters against “oligarchy” and oppose Donald Trump, AOC remains one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable progressive figures. Her public appearances consistently draw attention from supporters and critics alike, with many viewing her as a potential presidential contender in 2028. This high-profile status ensures that any confrontations, like the Queens town hall incident, receive significant media coverage and scrutiny.
“Shame on you, you’re a liar. You’re a liar!” – Protester
The confrontation comes during a period of fundraising success for the congresswoman, who recently announced raising $9.6 million in the past three months—a record-breaking amount for a House lawmaker. This impressive haul came from approximately 266,000 individual donors with an average contribution of just $21. Despite the financial support, the Queens incident demonstrates that AOC continues to face challenges in maintaining unanimous support from her progressive base, particularly on contentious foreign policy issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.