New York governor condemns pro-Palestinian rally

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned a rally in support of Palestinians set to take place Sunday in the wake of the Hamas-led attack in Israel over the weekend, calling the event “abhorrent and morally repugnant,” in a statement Saturday night.

“The people of Israel are facing violent terrorist attacks and civilian kidnappings. I condemn plans to rally in Times Square tomorrow in support of the perpetrators of these horrific actions. The planned rally is abhorrent and morally repugnant,” Hochul wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, late Saturday night.

The rally, which was planned for 1 p.m. in Times Square Sunday, was backed by the New York City chapter of Democratic Socialists.

“In solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist 75 years of occupation and apartheid,” the group wrote in a post on X promoting the event.

The event comes as the death toll in Israel from the initial Hamas attack continues to rise. As of Sunday morning, Israeli media was reporting that 600 Israelis had been killed during Hamas’ wide-ranging incursion, according to the Associated Press; hundreds of Palestinians were reported to be killed as well.