Rep. Nicole Malliotakis criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for failing to comment after two police officers were shot in her district allegedly by a Venezuelan gang member. Malliotakis used Ocasio-Cortez’s own words from a previous heated exchange with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling out the lack of response. The suspect, 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, entered the U.S. illegally in July, allegedly being a member of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. He had been staying at a migrant shelter in New York City and is suspected of committing crimes with a group using motorized scooters.
The shooting occurred early Monday morning when two officers attempted to pull over Castro Mata for driving a scooter the wrong way. He fled on foot and shot at the officers, who returned fire. Both officers were injured but have been released from the hospital, while Castro Mata also sustained injuries and underwent surgery on his ankle. Authorities revealed that the suspect has no prior arrests in New York City but is believed to be involved in a series of robberies.
The incident sparked controversy, particularly in light of Ocasio-Cortez’s previous condemnation of personal attacks during a congressional hearing. A month earlier, during a different heated exchange involving Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ocasio-Cortez had expressed outrage at attacks on physical appearance. However, critics pointed out that Ocasio-Cortez had remained silent on the shooting of the police officers in her district, leading to accusations of hypocrisy and selective outrage from her critics.
Malliotakis directly addressed Ocasio-Cortez on social media, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and calling out the congresswoman’s silence. The lack of response from Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal advocate for social justice issues, raised questions about her priorities and advocacy for her constituents. The incident also raised concerns about public safety and the impact of illegal immigration on communities, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement measures and support for law enforcement officers.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, with Castro Mata facing criminal charges, the incident has become a point of contention in the ongoing political debates surrounding immigration, crime, and law enforcement. The lack of a response from Ocasio-Cortez, who has often been seen as a vocal and passionate advocate, has drawn criticism from her political opponents, who question her commitment to addressing issues that directly impact her constituents. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex and nuanced challenges facing policymakers and elected officials, particularly in dealing with issues of crime, immigration, and public safety.
