Allegheny County Council's meeting Tuesday night was lengthy and turbulent.
Under consideration was a motion calling for an end to the Hamas-Israel conflict, the release of prisoners and more humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Nearly 300 people signed up to speak.
Supporters of the case fire screamed and swore at council members.
“I think the most disappointing thing is that that side does not want to sit down and have any constructive conversation,” said a Jewish man who was at the meeting. “And I think the biggest issue for me is why is Allegheny County Council even having this conversation.”
After more than five hours of public comments, council voted 9-2 against the motion.
One member of county council is defending Tuesday night's vote.
Bob Macey of West Mifflin is the District 9 representative for Allegheny County Council explained to Colin Dunlap on NewsRadio KDKA why they voted 'no' on the issue.
“We feel that if we move forward and say yes or say no, we can be accused of either anti-Semitism or genocide, it’s not within our purview.,” said Macey.
He also said he thinks it's unfair that the media is painting all council members "with one broad brush".