Rep. Malliotakis criticized Rep. Ocasio-Cortez for staying silent after two police officers were shot in her New York City district by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, who is suspected to be a member of a violent gang from the country. The suspect, Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, had entered the U.S. illegally and was staying at a migrant shelter in East Elmhurst, Queens. Despite this incident, Ocasio-Cortez did not issue any statement regarding the incident, prompting Malliotakis to call her out on social media and question her lack of response.
The shooting occurred in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens when two officers attempted to pull over Castro Mata, who was driving a scooter in the wrong direction. The suspect fled on foot and fired at the officers, who returned fire. Both officers were injured but have since been released from the hospital. Castro Mata, who was also injured, underwent surgery on his ankle. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the challenges of dealing with individuals involved in criminal activities, including those who have entered the country illegally.
During a congressional hearing, Ocasio-Cortez had engaged in a heated exchange with Rep. Greene, where the progressive Democrat had criticized the Republican for making personal attacks based on physical appearance. This incident is now being brought up by Malliotakis to question Ocasio-Cortez’s own silence on the shooting of the police officers in her district. The lack of response from Ocasio-Cortez has raised concerns among her critics, who are questioning her priorities and commitment to addressing issues affecting her constituents.
Authorities have revealed that Castro Mata is suspected of being involved in a string of robberies and is part of a crew that uses motorized scooters to commit crimes. This information adds to the complexity of the case and underscores the need for effective law enforcement measures to combat criminal activities in communities. The involvement of gangs and criminal organizations poses a significant threat to public safety and highlights the importance of addressing issues related to illegal immigration and criminal behavior.
Rep. Malliotakis has called out Rep. Ocasio-Cortez on social media, using the incident of the police shooting in her district to highlight the progressive Democrat’s lack of response. The criticism comes in the context of a tense political atmosphere where lawmakers are increasingly scrutinized for their actions and statements. The incident involving Castro Mata underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in dealing with individuals involved in criminal activities, especially those who may have ties to organized gangs from other countries.
As the debate continues over immigration policies and law enforcement practices, incidents like the shooting of the police officers in Queens serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in maintaining public safety. The involvement of a Venezuelan gang member in the shooting raises questions about border security and immigration enforcement measures. The lack of response from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has fueled further discussions on the role of lawmakers in addressing issues related to crime, law enforcement, and public safety in their districts.
