New York Senator Chuck Schumer got hit with some severe backlash after inserting a celebratory remark about the Buffalo Bills’ NFL victory during a press conference intended to address a deadly antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia.
For those who haven’t kept up to date on the awful news, the attack occurred at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens in what authorities described as a targeted act of terrorism against Jewish Australians.
Schumer began his comments on the tragedy by saying he would, of course, comment on the “terrible shooting.”
It went downhill very quickly.
“Of course, I’m going to say a few words about the terrible shooting in Sydney, Australia,” Schumer said. “And first, of course, as I always say, no matter what — go Bills. They beat the Patriots today. It’s a big deal.”
Fans rip Chuck Schumer
Critics, including fellow lawmakers and social media users, labeled the interjection as “tone-deaf” and insensitive, arguing it undermined the gravity of the event. Which it most certainly did.
Congressman Mike Lawler brutally responded, “Retire. Immediately.”
“Chuck Schumer reminds us that it definitely isn’t just Trump that says cringeworthy stuff at inappropriate times,” one viewer wrote.
Another fired back, “Beyond parody. This (is) what happens when you never have a job in the real world.”
“This is failure to read the room. Some moments do not need personal branding,” podcast host Chad Prather commented.
Chuck Schumer gave a speech about the terrorist attack in Australia but opened with “And first of course, as I always say no matter what, Go Bills. They beat the Patriots today, it's a BIG DEAL.” This is failure to read the room. Some moments do not need personal branding. pic.twitter.com/FHeWYM09tz
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) December 15, 2025
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Others made similarly insensitive remarks
Chuck Schumer’s comments were reminiscent of Barack Obama, who, in remarks following the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, was criticized for giving a “shout-out” to a member of the audience. Fourteen people were killed and dozens more were injured during the rampage.
President Trump this week was heavily criticized for his own insensitive comments after the murder of Rob Reiner, a longtime critic of his. Reiner, known for classics like When Harry Met Sally and Stand By Me, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home Sunday afternoon.
Is it really hard for people like Chuck Schumer and other politicians to treat very serious situations involving lives lost with the proper level of respect and decorum?
Schumer later condemned antisemitism but offered no response to the criticism.
The Bills staged a dramatic comeback from a 21-0 deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 35-31 on Sunday. Josh Allen led the way with five consecutive touchdown drives, and James Cook contributed three scores.