Pro-Palestine protesters heckle Kamala Harris at Detroit rally
US Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris had her speech in Detroit, Michigan interrupted by pro-Palestine protesters on Wednesday.
"Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide. We won’t vote for genocide," the protesters reportedly chanted.
Harris initially responded to the protesters saying she is "here because we believe in democracy. Everyone’s voice matters, but I am speaking now. I am speaking now".
As the protest continued, the nominee changed her tone.
"You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking," she said.
Michigan has a sizable Arab American minority, many of whom disapprove of the Democratic party's handling of the war on Gaza.
Harris was criticised on social media users for the response she has chosen in what was reportedly the first rally interruption she has faced since replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.
No matter what some people might think of protests like this, condescension hasn’t historically played well for Dems. Especially in swing states like Michigan.
— Tariq Kenney-Shawa (@tksshawa) August 8, 2024
I’m sure the Harris campaign considered this might happen in Detroit, and it’s telling if this is their response. https://t.co/Y47MkCaZXw