Delayed Condemnation of Pro-Hamas Extremists Draws Criticism for Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris faced intense criticism on Thursday for her delayed response to the violent riots by pro-Hamas extremists in Washington, D.C. These riots erupted following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the U.S. Congress.

• Extremists tore down and burned American flags while chanting "Allahu Akbar" and waving Hamas flags.

• Videos online showed rioters attacking law enforcement officials.

• U.S. Park Police reported eight arrests and significant vandalism, including damage to statues, fountains, and the burning of flags.

Republicans were quick to denounce the violence, with several Democrats following suit after a day had passed. Harris’s delayed response drew particular ire.

“Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington, D.C., we saw despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric,” Harris said. “I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent, and we must not tolerate it in our nation.”

Harris further condemned the desecration of the American flag, emphasizing it as a symbol of America's highest ideals. “I support the right to peacefully protest, but let’s be clear: Antisemitism, hate, and violence of any kind have no place in our nation,” she stated.

Critics argued that Harris's statement was too little, too late. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) remarked, “It took Kamala an entire day to issue a statement. I guess they wanted to see how the polling looked before attacking her Hamas base.” Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) also criticized Harris, saying, “It took you 24 hours to speak out against your supporters burning our American flag, attacking police, and defacing statues of George Washington. Shame.”

Matt Wolking, VP of Communications at Axiom Strategists, pointed out the absence of any mention of violence against police officers or calls for prosecution in Harris's statement. Former Trump Campaign Director of Communications Tim Murtaugh added, “When you begin the statement with the word ‘yesterday’ it means you had to think about it too much, and also probably needed time to warn some people on the radical left that it was coming.”

Harris’s perceived delay and previous remarks about pro-Hamas protesters displaying “exactly what the human emotion should be” have only fueled the backlash. The incident underscores the deepening divides over responses to extremism and violence.

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