FACT CHECK: No, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Did Not Fake Her Recent Arrest

A video shared on Facebook claims Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently faked her own arrest.

Verdict: False

There is no evidence to suggest that Ocasio-Cortez’s arrest was fake or staged. Ocasio-Cortez was reported to have been arrested along with several members of Congress.

Fact Check:

U.S. Capitol Police arrested 35 demonstrators Tuesday, including 17 members of Congress, during a pro-abortion protest outside of the Supreme Court, according to CBS News. Ocasio-Cortez was one of the 35 arrested, the outlet reported.

A Facebook video claims Ocasio Cortez faked her arrest. The video shows an officer carrying the congresswoman with her hands behind the back as he escorts her away from the demonstration. Ocasio Cortez raises one hand in the air and reveals that she has no control over her hands.

” Why would AOC pretend to be arrested …” The text in the video is included. Only to forget, then wave at people! This is crazy! !” (RELATED: Did Jim Jordan Tell Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez To ‘Go Back To Bartending? )

The claim that Ocasio-Cortez faked her arrest is incorrect. Numerous credible news outlets including The Hill, The Guardian and CNN all reported on the congresswoman’s arrest. Check Your Fact did not find any credible news reporting that suggested her arrest wasn’t legitimate. The Capitol Police confirmed in a press release that 17 members of Congress were arrested during the July 19 demonstration.

“Blocking traffic is illegal, so officers issued three warnings to the demonstrators to move out of the streets,” reads the release. “When the demonstrators refused to get out of the street, the officers arrested them for Crowding, Obstructing or Incommoding (DC Code SS 22-1307).”

While there is no evidence that Ocasio-Cortez faked her arrest, some conservatives claimed she faked being handcuffed by placing her hands behind her back, according to Fox News. In a tweet, the congresswoman stated that she was not faking her arrest. Putting your hands behind your back is a best practice while detained, handcuffed or not, to avoid escalating charges like resisting arrest.”

No faking here. To avoid resisting arrest and other serious charges, it is best to put your hands behind you back while being detained.

But given the lies you told me about another rape victim for “points”, I’m not expecting much from you. pic.twitter.com/lUc1TPS21D

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 20, 2022

Check Your Fact has reached out to Ocasio-Cortez’s office for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.