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Vice President Kamala Harris was captured on camera clapping to a Puerto Rican protest song during her visit to San Juan on Friday. She stopped when an assistant translated what singers added to the lyrics.
After delivering remarks in Puerto Rico’s capital, Harris visited the Goyoco Community Center in Santurce’s San Juan neighborhood, where she took a tour and heard from center staff and community leaders.
The motorcade was greeted by a mix of several dozen loud protesters and onlookers on the sidewalk. One held a sign that read “Kamala Harris war criminal,” another called the US and Israel “genocidal.”
The vice president stopped in a courtyard of the community center where a six-member group of musicians was playing. Pool cameras captured Harris clapping her hands and nodding along as she watched and listened. Then a singer performed, accompanied by a piano. According to RNC Research, Harris clapped until an assistant next to her translated what the band was saying.
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Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Hispanic Federation President Frankie Miranda applaud during a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, March 22, 2024. Harris visited Puerto Rico to tout the federal assistance the U.S. territory has received after deadly hurricanes and attended a Democratic fundraiser. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
The woman standing next to Harris is Mariana Reyes, executive director of La Goyco, while the man is Frankie Miranda, president of the Spanish Federation, according to The Associated Press.
“We want to know, Kamala, why did you come here? … Long live free Palestine and also Haiti!’ the band said, according to the account maintained by the Republican National Committee.
Harris then stopped clapping and instead folded her hands and nodded slightly as the song continued.
Executive Director Mariana Reyes, left, accompanies Vice President Kamala Harris during a visit to La Goyco Cultural Center in San Juan, Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
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People protest outside the facility where Vice President Kamala Harris is holding a rally, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
Before visiting the community center, Harris had visited a home outside San Juan that was damaged during Hurricane Maria but has since been equipped with solar panels and water tanks, through a federal program. She was joined by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Adrianne Todman, and Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
“Then what we all have to do is just provide the community and the talent here with the capacity and the resources. And so President Joe Biden and I have been very intentional in what we do for the leaders, the people and the families of Puerto Rico. To date, our government has invested more than $140 billion in Puerto Rico,” Harris said, advocating for new innovations to make technology hurricane-proof.
A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)
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“What that means for a family, a multi-generational family, that you see behind me is extraordinary in terms of the quality of life. The part of the challenge that Puerto Rico has faced is what we know: intermittent electricity and energy sources due to this extreme weather and the installation of this smart technology, including the solar panels, will allow for more consistent energy sources for the families that are here , which again is about improving the quality of life and just the well-being and dignity of every family to meet their basic needs,” she said.
Fox News’ Sarah Tobianski contributed to this report.
