“Not Doing S–t”: Constituents Blast AOC as District Falls Apart

At a town hall last year, Alvarez confronted Ocasio-Cortez directly, asking if she was even aware of how unsafe things had become in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. Instead of answering, Alvarez says the congresswoman brushed her off and slipped out the back.

“It’s disrespectful,” Alvarez said. “You’re there because of people from my community, and you’re not doing anything for us.”

Others echoed the anger. Republican City Council candidate Ramses Frias said, “People are suffering. They’re scared to go outside.”

Critics also pointed to AOC’s rhetoric on race and her outspoken support for defunding police. “Nobody wants to be a police officer, it’s been so villainized,” said Hannah Meyers of the Manhattan Institute. “That affects every function the police do. And it’s her district. She’s supposed to be looking out for people there.”

Even law enforcement veterans say her messaging has made residents less safe. “If you don’t feel safe, you’re not free,” said Betsy Brantner Smith of the National Police Association.

As crime climbs and discontent spreads, many wonder: has AOC’s national spotlight come at the cost of her seat in Congress?