Photo of AOC Sparks Online Frenzy After Viewers Spot One Unusual Detail
Note: This story was originally reported in September 2024 and is being reshared due to renewed interest.
When most people find themselves with a dead car battery, the typical response is to call for roadside assistance or hunt down a pair of jumper cables. But one recent incident near the U.S. Capitol took a far more unexpected turn—with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez jumping into action.
On September 11, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez found herself in the middle of a minor Capitol Hill crisis when she came to the aid of Evan Hollander, who serves as both driver and aide to Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.). Hollander’s vehicle had stalled out near the plaza, but instead of waiting for help, he got it from one of the most high-profile lawmakers on the Hill.
📸 Image: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez helping a stranded driver, shared via Instagram/@aoc
“Don’t Call AAA—Call AOC”
Mike Casca, AOC’s chief of staff, captured the moment on camera and posted a snapshot of the congresswoman bent over the hood of the stalled car. He cheekily captioned it:
“When your car battery dies on Capitol Hill, don’t call AAA—just call @AOC.”
Within hours, the post exploded online, quickly circulating across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Some praised the progressive leader for being hands-on and relatable, while others smelled a publicity stunt in the making.
Supporters Applaud, Critics Cry Foul
Backers of the New York Democrat flooded the comments with admiration.
“She’s out here doing more than Congress and roadside services combined.”
“AOC is the definition of leading by example.”
But not everyone was impressed. Many detractors took the opportunity to mock both Hollander and the optics of the situation.
“Seriously, a grown man working on the Hill can’t jump-start a car?”
“This is like a BuzzFeed parody of Capitol Hill masculinity.”
The Men Just Watched
One specific detail from the photo sparked even more chatter: two uniformed Capitol Police officers standing nearby, doing nothing as AOC worked under the hood.
This led to a slew of sarcastic comments, such as:
“Three men standing around watching one woman solve the problem. Washington in a nutshell.”
“That’s the beta male trifecta right there.”
“Capitol Hill: where the jumper cables are as useless as the backup.”
Was It All Just Theater?
Skeptics online went further, suggesting the entire incident may have been staged for social media clout.
“It looks too perfect. Like, lights, camera, Congress!”
“You’re telling me none of these guys knew how to jump a battery?”
“The real emergency here is basic car maintenance skills.”
AOC’s Viral Moments Keep Coming
Whether the scene was an authentic act of kindness or a well-timed piece of image crafting, the outcome was the same—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez once again stole the spotlight and stirred the internet into a frenzy.
From handing out Thanksgiving turkeys to showing up at community events, the congresswoman continues to blend social media savvy with real-world appearances. And with every viral moment, she solidifies her status as one of the most talked-about—and polarizing—figures in American politics.