World Series Champion Kevin Youkilis Criticizes AOC’s Response to Boulder Attack
In the wake of a violent attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, former Major League Baseball star and two-time World Series champion Kevin Youkilis has publicly criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for what he perceives as a lackluster response to rising anti-Semitic violence.
On June 1, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national who had overstayed his visa, allegedly threw incendiary devices at a group participating in a “Run for Their Lives” event, aimed at raising awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The attack injured eight individuals, with one victim in critical condition. The FBI has labeled the incident a “targeted terror attack.”
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez responded to the incident on social media, stating she was “horrified” and expressing solidarity with Jewish communities. However, Youkilis, who is Jewish, took issue with her remarks, labeling them as repetitive “virtue signaling.” He questioned her actions against anti-Semitic rhetoric in her own district, particularly concerning chants for “intifadas” in New York City.
“Jews are targeted with violence and it’s the same virtue signal post time and time again,” Youkilis wrote on X. “What have you done to confront those calling for intifadas in NYC? Until you create a plan of action, your repeated virtue signaling after the violence occurs holds no weight.”
Jews are targeted with violence and it's the same virtue signal post time and time again. What have you done to confront those calling for intifadas in NYC? Until you create a plan of action, your repeated virtue signaling after the violence occurs holds no weight. https://t.co/V3uIVpUiK1
— Kevin Youkilis (@GreekGodOfHops) June 2, 2025
When asked what he expected from the congresswoman, Youkilis replied, “Confront the radical mobs chanting for intifadas in NYC. That would be brave leadership, but we know politicians, on both sides of the aisle, shy away in fear of losing votes and power.”
The suspect, Soliman, first arrived in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa in August 2022, which expired in February 2023. Despite this, he remained in the country illegally and obtained a work permit valid through March 2024. Authorities have charged him with multiple offenses related to the attack.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over immigration enforcement and the potential risks posed by individuals who overstay their visas. Critics argue that lax immigration policies contribute to national security threats, as exemplified by this attack.
Furthermore, the rise in anti-Semitic extremism in the United States has been alarming. Since 2020, there has been a noticeable increase in terror plots fueled by such ideologies. The Boulder attack is a stark reminder of this growing threat.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s previous comments have also come under fire. During unrest at Columbia University last year, she referred to anti-Israel protesters as “peaceful,” even as Jewish students were advised to leave campus due to safety concerns.
The congresswoman’s critics argue that her responses to anti-Semitic incidents lack substantive action. They contend that condemning violence after it occurs, without addressing the underlying causes or confronting extremist rhetoric, is insufficient.
Youkilis’s remarks have resonated with many who feel that political leaders must take a firmer stance against antisemitism. They advocate for proactive measures to combat hate speech and protect vulnerable communities.
The Boulder attack serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked extremism and inadequate immigration enforcement. It underscores the need for policymakers to prioritize national security and the safety of all citizens.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, voices like Youkilis’s highlight the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their responses to acts of hate and violence. The call for decisive action against antisemitism continues to grow louder.
