Protester confronts Fetterman on Gaza stance at McKeesport rally

Police were called on to remove a protester from an election event in McKeesport on Sunday night after he loudly criticized Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, for his position on not calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Fetterman was among the speakers at a Get Out The Vote rally for Democratic candidates, including Democratic Allegheny County executive candidate Sara Innamorato. McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko also spoke to encourage people to vote at the city’s Palisades Event Center.

According to TribLIVE news partner WTAE, just after Fetterman took the stage and holding up an Innamorato poster, the protester shouted, “4,000 plus dead children in Palestine. 9,000 plus dead civilians, get off the stage. … Get off the stage. I don’t care … get off the stage.” He then told Fetterman to “go home.”

Fetterman responded to the protester by saying, “The joke is on you. I had a stroke. I can’t fully understand what you are saying.”

The man was eventually escorted out by police. Another protester shouted “Free Palestine. Ceasefire now!” before leaving the event.

The Trib reached out to Fetterman’s office, but has not yet received a response or statement about the incident.

Fetterman suffered a stroke in May 2022, just days before the Senate primary election.

A statement from Fetterman on his official website says “now is not the time to talk about a ceasefire” in Gaza. Another statement also indicates Fetterman’s support for sending “any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel.”

“We must support Israel in their efforts to eliminate the Hamas terrorists who slaughtered innocent men, women, and children,” Fetterman’s statement reads. “Hamas does not want peace, they want to destroy Israel. We can talk about a ceasefire after Hamas is neutralized.

“In the meantime, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to quickly deliver the aid our ally Israel needs. This includes confirming ambassador-nominee Jack Lew as soon as possible.”

Fetterman was also questioned for his stance on Israel by local author and activist Dan Kovalik last week at an Innamorato campaign event at Shorty’s at the Waterfront. Kovalik had a conversation with Fetterman before being escorted out by someone who was not affiliated with Fetterman or Innamorato’s campaigns.

“John values civil discourse with all of his constituents, including last night, when he had productive conversations with other constituents who disagreed with his position on Israel and Gaza (and many who support it),” Fetterman’s office said about the incident last week in a statement.