Rep. Bowman dismissed Hamas atrocities as ‘Propaganda’ on Oct. 7

A recent video has surfaced showing Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., a member of “The Squad,” addressing a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters in November. During the speech, Bowman downplayed reports of atrocities, such as the rape and murder of women, children, and infants, that occurred during the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, dismissing them as “propaganda.”

Despite the evidence of these atrocities, including reports from Israel itself, Bowman made these comments on Nov. 17, nearly six weeks after the attacks.

In a video posted by former Westchester County Board of Legislators legislative assistant Amy Vele, Bowman stated, “There was propaganda used at the beginning of the siege. There’s still no evidence of beheaded babies or raped women, but they still keep using that lie.”

It wasn’t until Bowman was confronted outside the House floor on Thursday that he partially walked back his comments, stating, “I’m focused on my votes and other things. I’m not talking.” When pressed about his doubts on the claims, he deferred the conversation to his team.

In a subsequent statement to Politico, Bowman clarified his stance, condemning the rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas and affirming his vote in favor of Resolution 966, which officially condemns such acts. He emphasized his commitment to standing against sexual violence in all forms and advocating for peace.

Bowman’s remarks in November came shortly after a screening of the atrocities committed by Hamas, which lawmakers described as proof of war crimes. While it’s unclear if Bowman attended the screening, he dismissed the evidence presented as “propaganda.”

In the video, Bowman also criticized Israel, referring to it as an “apartheid state” and accusing it of committing war crimes. This aligns with the sentiments expressed by other members of “The Squad,” such as Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush, following the attack on Israel.

Bowman is facing a primary challenge from George Latimer in New York’s 16^th Congressional District. He has lost the support of progressive pro-Israel lobbying group J Street and is also facing opposition from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which has pledged to spend millions against anti-Israel candidates like Bowman.