Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York, facing a tough primary challenge, ignited controversy with his profanity-laden rant at a rally, accusing the pro-Israel advocacy group AIPAC of using U.S. tax dollars to kill innocent people in Gaza. He declared, “We are going to show f—ing AIPAC, the power of the motherf—ing South Bronx!” Bowman’s speech, riddled with expletives, drew immediate criticism from fellow Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, who slammed it as “unhinged” and “unbecoming of a Member of Congress.” Torres, who departed the Congressional Progressive Caucus over differences on Israel, expressed his disappointment, stating, “There is nothing in Jamaal Bowman’s unhinged tirade that remotely resembles the decency of the people I know and represent in the South Bronx.”
Bowman’s rally, held in St. Mary’s Park in Mott Haven, featured a show of progressive support, with fellow “Squad” member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders joining him on stage. Ocasio-Cortez, known for her passionate advocacy, was seen forcefully banging the podium and shouting over sexually explicit lyrics from the Cardi B song “Enough,” adding fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding the event.
Bowman’s fiery rhetoric comes amidst divisions within the Democratic Party over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. His primary challenger, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, has garnered support from more moderate Democrats, including former Rep. Mondaire Jones and Hillary Clinton. Bowman, facing an uphill battle against Latimer, is seeking to rally his base with strong messaging and impassioned speeches, even if they attract negative attention. The primary election, taking place on Tuesday, will determine the fate of both Bowman and his progressive platform.
