“Openly calling for people to shoot federal law enforcement,” Vance says, calling out Nadler over “masked” agent remarks
WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance accused Rep. Jerrold Nadler of encouraging violence against federal law enforcement after the New York Democrat said Americans could be “justified” using self-defense if they believed they were being attacked or kidnapped by masked individuals, comments made during a House Judiciary Committee hearing focused on immigration enforcement.
Jerry Nadler is one of the highest ranking Democrats in the House of Representatives and he is openly calling for people to shoot federal law enforcement.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 3, 2026
This is despicable behavior from an elected official and I'm sure the leftwing media will cover it extensively. https://t.co/hmbV43h43H
“Jerry Nadler … is openly calling for people to shoot federal law enforcement,” Vance wrote, calling the remarks “despicable behavior” and predicting the “leftwing media” would downplay it.
The dispute centers on Nadler’s use of a hypothetical scenario while criticizing what he described as “attacks” by “masked hoodlums,” a reference to immigration enforcement actions carried out by federal agents who at times have worn face coverings. Nadler said that if someone were “attacked by a masked person,” they might believe they were being kidnapped and could be “justified in shooting the person to protect yourself.”
Vance framed that language as an invitation to target federal officers, an allegation that quickly spread online as clips circulated. Nadler’s comments, as shown in the video excerpt widely shared on social media, did not explicitly urge people to shoot ICE agents; rather, he argued that mask-wearing and aggressive tactics create confusion that can escalate encounters.
The exchange comes amid broader political conflict over immigration enforcement and the tactics used during arrests. Democrats have recently pushed restrictions in any DHS funding deal, including requirements for judicial warrants to enter private property, bans on face coverings, and mandates for body cameras and clearer identification for agents — demands Republicans have largely resisted.
Republicans and administration allies have cast those proposals as dangerous constraints that could expose agents to harassment and retaliation, while Democrats argue they are necessary guardrails to reduce mistakes, improve accountability and prevent the kind of misunderstandings Nadler described. The controversy now adds a combustible messaging fight to an already tense negotiation over DHS policy and funding.
