Tensions escalated on Capitol Hill as Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), a retired Navy SEAL and congressman representing Wisconsin’s 3rd district, fired off a blunt response to CODEPINK protesters harassing members of Congress as he came up to them and said: “Shalom, bit*hes!” As he high-fives another congressman.

The comment came just days after Van Orden reportedly had one of the disruptive CODEPINK activists arrested during a previous encounter. CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin slammed the congressman’s remark, calling it “shameful” and accusing him of mocking peace while “fueling genocide.”

“Rep. Van Orden, the same guy who had one of our CODEPINKers arrested with lies, just walked by and yelled ‘Shalom, bit*hes!’” Benjamin wrote. “This is the level of ‘leadership’ we’re dealing with in Congress… Shameful. Disgusting. Unfit to serve.”

CODEPINK, a far-left activist group known for theatrical disruptions and anti-Israel protests, has long drawn criticism for its tactics—including storming congressional hearings, shouting down speakers, and cozying up to authoritarian regimes. The group has faced allegations of accepting funds or support from entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party, and its leadership has openly praised Cuba and Venezuela’s socialist governments.

While CODEPINK claims to stand for peace, critics argue their activism frequently crosses into anti-American, anti-Israel, and pro-authoritarian territory.

Van Orden’s response—blunt, unfiltered, and unapologetic—has sparked backlash and applause, depending on which side of the aisle you’re on.