Internet disapproves as bank fraudster fundraises for Rep Jamaal Bowman’s primary opponent George Latimer

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK: A fundraiser co-hosted by a convicted bank fraudster for Westchester County Executive George Latimer has ignited controversy ahead of the Democratic primary.

Michael S Wachs, known for his involvement in a bank fraud scheme, was listed on the host committee for the event held on March 20 at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, Westchester.

Convicted fraudster's role

Wachs' history dates back to 1997 when he pleaded guilty to bank fraud, involving an attempt to defraud Chase Bank of $20.8 million. As a consequence, he was fined $250,000 and banned from the securities business.

The inclusion of Wachs as a co-host for Latimer's fundraiser raised eyebrows, particularly given Latimer's bid to unseat "Squad" Rep Jamaal Bowman in the upcoming Democratic primary.

Responding to the controversy, Lawrence Wang, a spokesperson for Bowman's campaign, condemned Latimer's choice of fundraiser hosts.

Wang stated, “First George Latimer held a fundraiser hosted in a Trump megadonor’s mansion, now he’s holding a fundraiser hosted by a Wall Street fraudster who robbed people blind.”

Earlier this year, Latimer faced criticism for holding a fundraiser at the residence of Alex Dubitsky, a wealthy insurance mogul and Donald Trump supporter. The series of fundraising events hosted by Latimer has sparked debates about the candidate's affiliations and allegiances.

“It shows you who George really thinks he works for,” Wang added. “Not gonna fly in a Democratic primary.”

Despite the outcry, Latimer's campaign opted not to address the controversy surrounding Wachs' involvement. Instead, they redirected attention to Bowman, portraying him as part of the progressive "Squad" in Congress, alongside figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Internet reacts to controversial fundraiser

The revelation of Wachs' role in the fundraiser triggered a flurry of reactions on social media platforms.

"Of course," one posted on X.

"Time for another fire alarm," another quipped.

"This isn’t the best way to go about getting that jerk Bowman out," someone else offered.

"Bowman’s got to go. November can’t come soon enough to vote out this antisemitic race-baiting loser. Wake up people!" another wrote.

Last month, Latimer made allegations suggesting Bowman was taking money from the Palestinian militant group Hamas, leading to threats of legal action from Bowman's campaign, per The Intercept.

Bowman's past controversies

In addition to the controversy surrounding Latimer's fundraiser, Bowman himself has faced scrutiny over past controversies.

“The simple fact is nearly 75% of George Latimer’s donors come from the Bronx and Westchester, as compared to just 9% for Mr. Bowman,” Latimer’s campaign said.

“Now, after getting caught praising known antisemites, promoting baseless 9/11 truther conspiracies, taking money from Trump donors, and most recently voting to shut down the government, he is desperate to change the story.”

As a former Bronx middle school principal who rose to prominence by defeating long-time Congressman Eliot Engel in 2020, Bowman's actions and statements have drawn both attention and criticism.

One of the controversies surrounding Bowman stems from his defense of controversial figures and statements.

For instance, Bowman once argued for the preservation of a mural featuring minister Louis Farrakhan in a New York City suburb. Farrakhan's history of making derogatory remarks about Jews, including referring to them as the "synagogue of Satan" and "termites," sparked outrage among Jewish activists.

Moreover, Bowman's tenure as a school administrator was marked by controversy. He maintained a blog in which he propagated conspiracy theories, including the claim that World Trade Center building No. 7 was demolished in a controlled demolition rather than being destroyed in the 9/11 terror attacks.

Last year, he pleaded guilty to pulling a fire alarm in a Capitol office building ahead of a House vote, an action that was seen as disruptive and potentially dangerous.

Additionally, Bowman faced backlash for his decision to include convicted cop killer and fugitive Joanne Chesimard in the Bronx Cornerstone Academy for Social Action's "hall of honor" during his tenure as principal.

As the primary election approaches, Bowman's past controversies have become fodder for his opponents, including George Latimer.

That said, the intense scrutiny surrounding both candidates underscores the high stakes of the Democratic primary race for the 16th Congressional District, the New York Post reported.

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