Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has defended herself from accusations made by the White House, stating that their rhetoric contributed to a shooting during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The congresswoman said the government should expect them to report crimes committed by federal officials.
Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez stated that she expects the White House to give more information regarding what rhetoric they found threatening enough to incite violence.
“I would be interested in them actually saying what exactly is inciting that,” she said.
Ocasio-Cortez added that it was the responsibility of Democrats to criticize the government if they believed crimes were committed by government officials, such as the president and his cabinet.
According to the congresswoman, Democrats had several reasons for criticizing the White House. These included the partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files even after Attorney General Pam Bondi had quit and questionable cryptocurrency transactions, which may have been considered money laundering.
Moreover, the congresswoman mentioned bribery or extortion in settlement cases between the government and media corporations.
According to Ocasio-Cortez, rhetoric only becomes problematic if it starts calling for violence. However, the congresswoman thinks that the border between criticism and incitement of violence is quite clear, and none of the Democrats ever surpassed it.
“We would never say someone should commit an act of violence. I think that line is pretty bright and pretty clear,” she said.
Ocasio-Cortez urged the government to give evidence proving that the rhetoric was inciting violence and not to take advantage of the situation.
