Goodbye Gorka: Silent protests and pointed questions from Georgetown University students spurred White House counterterrorism adviser Sebastian Gorka to leave a panel discussion 20 minutes early. Image by @thehoya

By Aiden Pink April 25, 2017

Right-wing bloggers and activists are criticizing Georgetown University students who protested an appearance on campus by Sebastian Gorka, the White House counterterrorism adviser who has been dogged by accusations that he is a member of a far-right Hungarian group with historical ties to Nazism.

Gorka bolted from a panel discussion on cybersecurity and “fake news” 20 minutes before its scheduled conclusion after audience members waved signs silently, and some asked pointed questions.

In response, the students were denounced on Twitter, including by David Reaboi, a national security consultant who has frequently defended Gorka in articles and interviews.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Also criticizing the timing and Jewish credentials of the protesters was Alex VanNess of the Center for Security Policy, a far-right think tank on whose radio show Gorka has made numerous appearances:

Center for Security Policy consultant Nick Short said that the protesters were “idiots” who may have been paid to protest Gorka.

Contact Aiden Pink at pink@forward.com or on Twitter, @aidenpink.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount