California Congressman Rohit Khanna has responded to accusations from conservative activist Laura Loomer regarding a recent appearance at ArabCon, a conference attended by individuals accused of supporting Hamas.
Loomer had posted a video alleging that Khanna shared the stage with Hamas supporters, even adding that the congressman “laughed” when asked about the October 7th attacks.
This is why politics is broken. You edited the clip to make it appear I spoke on the same panel. I did not and spoke at a different time. I have condemned Hamas & Oct 7. Challenge my ideas, but show my actual remarks! https://t.co/6yF7pO3zms
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) September 29, 2025
What was Laura Loomer’s tweet?
In her tweet, Loomer demanded that Khanna resign, accusing him of laughing alongside people who refused to condemn the deadly assault. She also questioned why a sitting member of Congress would share a stage with individuals allegedly cheering for Hamas.
Loomer tweeted, “Why did Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna, share a stage with HAMAS supporters this weekend at ArabCon who laughed & cheered when asked if they would condemn October 7th? This is a sitting member of Congress laughing at October 7th. Ro Khanna should RESIGN.”
‘You edited the clip’
Khanna swiftly rebutted the claims. In a tweet, the congressman said, “This is why politics is broken. You edited the clip to make it appear I spoke on the same panel. I did not and spoke at a different time. I have condemned Hamas & Oct 7. Challenge my ideas, but show my actual remarks!”
Rohit Khanna’s stance on Hamas
Khanna has been vocal in condemning Hamas and their actions, particularly the horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. Khanna has called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by the group and has consistently made it clear that Hamas should never hold power in Gaza or have any role in a future Palestinian state.
He supports Congressional resolutions that affirm Hamas should not have any political or military control in the region.
At the same time, Khanna has been a strong advocate for Palestinian statehood. He has led efforts urging the US government to officially recognise Palestine, but with important conditions.
Khanna believes that for any Palestinian state to be recognised, it must fully acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, and Hamas must relinquish both power and weapons.
Khanna’s approach is focused on separating Palestinian self-determination from Hamas leadership, arguing that US recognition of Palestine, under these conditions, would help bring about a lasting peace.