Vance jokes about border crossings after Epstein-files protest

Vice President JD Vance responded to an Epstein-files protester at a campaign rally in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on October 19 by joking that he had to revise his claim of zero illegal border crossings, adding, “But one isn’t bad, right?” The protester, Victor Quebrado Perez, later said he was born and raised in Hendersonville and that Vance’s remark did not offend him. Vance’s words did not explicitly establish Perez’s immigration status. Perez, 19, stood during Vance’s speech and shouted for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as “God bless our children.” Security escorted him from the event while attendees booed and chanted “USA.” Video of the rally captures the interruption, the removal and Vance’s response. After the protester was taken out, Vance said he needed to amend an earlier statement about illegal border crossings. His joke drew laughter from the crowd. He then said the protester showed what “far left Democrats” stood for and criticized Democratic candidates, including Don Davis, according to recordings and accounts of the rally. The comment did not directly say Perez was undocumented, though it was interpreted by some as suggesting that...