Former Vice President Kamala Harris encountered several interruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators during her book tour event in New York City on Wednesday evening, September 24, 2025. Harris informed the protesters that, as a private citizen, she had no power to influence the Gaza situation.
Harris’ appearance at a Times Square performance venue was disrupted by several protesters during the launch of her book “107 Days.” The book examines her presidential campaign against Donald Trump, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election.
Initially addressing the first protester with empathy, Harris expressed sorrow over the Palestinian plight and criticized Trump for what she termed a blank check to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As the interruptions persisted, Harris stated, “I’m not president right now. There’s nothing I can do.”
The initial protester, wearing a medical mask, made allegations about genocide and Palestinian deaths before being removed by security. A second protester attributed the circumstances directly to Harris. While the audience’s frustration grew, Harris called for calm and mentioned her previous criticism of starvation in Gaza as vice president, despite facing opposition from the Biden administration.
In her book, Harris critiques Biden’s handling of Israel’s military actions in Gaza as insufficient, noting her appeals for the president to extend the same compassion to Palestinian civilians as he did to Ukrainians. The book highlights internal administration conflicts regarding the Gaza issue.
Harris’ silence on Gaza-related matters during her presidential campaign concerned many Democratic voters. A movement emerged aiming to pressure Harris to commit to pursuing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The event was initially planned as a single appearance at the 1,500-seat venue, but a second show was added due to high demand. Outside the venue, activists gathered on the sidewalk in protest.
Harris recalled addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis about 18 months earlier while vice president, acknowledging internal criticism for her comments on the issue. She expressed understanding of the protesters’ concerns, asserting that the situation need not have developed as it did.
The Gaza conflict has caused significant division in both the nation and the Democratic Party. According to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict started after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed. Democratic activists have been critical of leaders from both parties for inadequate efforts to halt the violence.
Throughout the evening, Harris criticized Trump’s policies and leadership, comparing his administration to an authoritarian regime for suppressing dissent, and condemned his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The book tour marks Harris’ first significant public engagement since her 2024 presidential election defeat to Trump. “107 Days” offers insights into her fast-paced campaign following Biden’s exit from the race, detailing the strategic decisions made during her unsuccessful presidential bid.
