U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign office in the Bronx was vandalized early Monday morning, with the front of the building on Herschell Street being covered in red paint shortly after 12:40 a.m. This incident has raised significant concerns for the campaign team, as it isn’t the first instance of vandalism faced by the office.
Oliver Hidalgo, the campaign manager, noted that security concerns are a constant reality for the staff, who regularly contend with threats and other forms of intimidation. He expressed relief that the team was unharmed during the incident. “We always have a lot of security concerns,” Hidalgo said, emphasizing that the safety of the team remains a priority.
Local resident Alice Solano expressed her shock regarding the vandalism, calling it “horrible” and highlighting that while people may hold differing opinions, resorting to vandalism is unacceptable. The vandals made their mark by splattering paint on windows, doors, and the roll-down gate, as well as posting a sign that read “AOC funds genocide in Gaza.”
At the time of the incident, Ocasio-Cortez was attending a town hall meeting in Plattsburgh, New York. Although she had planned to be in Queens later that day to unveil a new accessibility ramp at the Jackson Heights Post Office, security concerns led her team to cancel her appearance.
NYPD investigators are currently reviewing video footage from surveillance cameras located outside and inside the office to identify the perpetrators. Local residents voiced their disappointment, noting that such aggressive actions are distressing and unprecedented in their community. Gladys Santos, a long-time local resident, remarked on the sadness this act of vandalism brought to the neighborhood.
This incident reflects ongoing tensions and highlights the challenges public figures, particularly those with strong political views, face. However, it also underscores the resilience of community members who value peaceful discourse and public safety.