Unknown individuals heckled US Vice President JD Vance during his appearance at a recent Turning Point USA event.
The event, held at the University of Georgia, saw Vance defend US policy on the war with Iran and the previous conflict between Israel and Palestine.
In a clip shared by Reuters, shortly after the Vice President began addressing the crowd, a member of the audience interrupted, yelling, “Jesus Christ does not support genocide.”
Vance turned toward the audience and replied, “I certainly think the answer is yes. I agree Jesus Christ does not support genocide, whoever yelled that out from the dark.”
Minutes later, another person shouted, “You are involved JD, you are killing children!”
Vance responded, “Excuse me, sir. Right now, you see more humanitarian aid coming into Gaza than it has anytime in the past five years.”
By early April 2026, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had escalated sharply, with reports from the Gaza Ministry of Health and UN agencies indicating over 75,000 fatalities since the conflict began. At least 20,000 children have been killed, roughly 2 percent of Gaza’s child population, with an average of one child dying every hour.
More than 169,000 people have been injured, including 21,000 children facing permanent disabilities, while an estimated 10,000 victims remain missing under the rubble.
Vance also acknowledged criticism of US involvement in Middle East conflicts.
“I recognize that young voters do not love the policy we have in the Middle East, OK,” he said. “I understand.”
The Vice President also criticised Pope Leo XIV, who has publicly opposed the wars and US actions. The disagreement drew a response from President Donald Trump, who described the Pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
Vance, who is Catholic, said, “How can you say that God is never on the side of those who wield the sword? Was God on the side of those Americans who liberated France from Nazi Germany? I think it is important for the Pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”
The remarks drew mixed reactions online. Instagram user Shannon Krieger wrote, “The Pope needs to be careful when talking about matters theology?” Another user, Nancy Froio, added, “Thank you random guy screaming. You speak for us human beings.”