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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Instagram Live video on the U.S Capitol riot has been met with praise for her openness and vulnerability.
In the nearly 90-minute live-stream, the New York Democrat spoke about events in the days leading up to the January 6 riot, including coming into contact with protesters outside the Capitol building two days earlier and the anticipation of violence.
The politician then described her experiences during the riot itself, and how she hid in her bathroom and thought she was going to die, as she heard a man in her office yelling: "Where is she?"
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Ocasio-Cortez also revealed that she is a sexual assault survivor and compared the actions of some Republican leaders asking people to move on from the riots to the actions of abusers. She stressed the need to hold those who had played a part in the insurrection accountable.
Ocasio-Cortez later wrote on Twitter: "My story isn't the only story, nor is it the central story of what happened on Jan 6th.
"It is just one story of many of those whose lives were endangered at the Capitol by the lies, threats and violence fanned by the cowardice of people who chose personal gain above democracy."
Ocasio-Cortez's video has been shared widely across social media, amassing more than 1 million views on Instagram. Clips have been viewed more than 3 million times on Twitter.
Eliza Orlins, a Manhattan public defender and candidate for district attorney, was among those to praise Ocasio-Cortez, posting: "She is truly incredible. Opening up, being vulnerable. Talking about being the victim of an assault. But then making a 'that's weird, that's suspicious' TikTok reference. Seriously, turn on @aoc's IG live now. Now. NOW."
Political activist Linda Sarsour wrote: "I am so sorry @AOC that you had to experience this. I hope there's some healing in you sharing your trauma and knowing how many of us are here for you and pray for your safety. You deserve to feel safe. On your street and in the US Capitol. Everywhere."
Meena Harris, a lawyer and niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, said: "I'm grateful for AOC speaking vulnerably about the trauma she experienced at the Capitol insurrection but I'm so angry that she has to—that there has been ZERO accountability, that no members of Congress have been expelled. It's disgraceful and shameful."
Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a member along with Ocasio-Cortez of "the Squad" of progressive lawmakers, said: "Y'all stop invalidating @AOC's experiences because you aren't hearing about the experiences of other members.
"Everyone deals with trauma differently, her stories are validating for so many of us with similar experiences and she is showing people that vulnerability is strength."
Gun control activist David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting, said: "Hearing @AOC talk about what happened on January 6 sounds like many of my friends after the shooting at our high school has me shook to my core.
"This is a sitting congresswoman. We all need to be deeply concerned for the future of our democracy."
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