Vice President Kamala Harris was delivering remarks in New York City's Bronx borough on Friday when she was interrupted by an impassioned protester critical of the city's aging infrastructure.
A number of high-profile New York Democrats were in attendance, including Mayor Bill De Blasio, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Governor Kathy Hochul.
She was discussing President Joe Biden's Build Back Better agenda and its impact on climate change when the heckler, 23-year-old Jose Vega, pointed out that earlier action could have possibly mitigated the devastating effects of flash floods the city saw during Hurricane Ida.
He confirmed his identity to DailyMail.com, and said: 'People aren’t drowning because of global warming in Queens. They are drowning because of illegal apartments in Queens.'
Vega is a South Bronx resident and works for the Diane Sare for Senate campaign. Sare is an Independent candidate challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his seat in the upcoming 2022 election.
In September, flood waters surging into basement apartments killed 11 people throughout New York City. At least 13 people died in the city overall.
Local officials had blamed the city's aging sewer system and said it wasn't equipped to handle increasingly frequent bouts of extreme weather that are brought on by climate change.
'Families drowned in Queens, It could have been prevented if we had the right infrastructure,' Vega can be heard on video shouting.
Harris, at the podium, shouted back: 'You are right brother.'
'I am right about that,' he responded.
The vice president's microphone drowned out part of the protester's speech as she offered, 'I know you are, and how about if you and I talk about that.'
'So let me finish,' Harris began.
At one point Vega can be heard shouting, 'Why aren't we working with the Chinese on the Belt-and-Road Initiative?'
Harris continued speaking over his protests.
'Okay you know what, you and I will talk after I give my comments and I am happy to talk with you,' she said as sparse applause rings out.
'Right now, let's talk about the agenda-' she began, trying to finish her sentence above their protests.
Vega was then escorted out by Secret Service agents.
