New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is catching heat from Republican lawmakers and retail groups over comments dismissing a wave of smash-and-grab robberies that’s gripped parts of the United States in recent weeks.

Republica Rep. Greg Murphy wrote on Twitter Sunday in response to the progressive firebrand’s remarks:

‘The pure tone-deaf arrogance of the Progressive Left is astounding.’

In an interview with The Washington Times last week, Ocasio-Cortez said:

“A lot of these allegations of organized retail theft are not actually panning out.” 

‘I believe it’s a Walgreens in California cited it, but the data didn’t back it up,’ she added.

She was referring to an incident late last month during which four people armed with hammers broke into a Bay Area Walgreens and stole $2,400 worth of cosmetics and other merchandise.

Walgreens fired back, stating:

“Organized retail crime is one of the top challenges facing” the company,” adding that the crime “has evolved beyond shoplifting and petty theft to the sale of stolen and counterfeit goods online.”

Retail Industry Leaders Association representative Jason Brewer also responded to the Democrat Socialist’s remarks:

“Respectfully, the Congresswoman has no idea what she is talking about. Both the data and stack of video evidence makes fairly clear that this is a growing problem in need of solutions. If she is not concerned with organized theft and increasingly violent attacks on retail employees, she should just say that.”

While former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik tweeted:

“She’s not doubting the existence, she’s ignoring it and emboldening it.”

She’s not doubting the existence, she’s ignoring it and emboldening it.

GOP, businesses slam AOC for doubting existence of smash-and-grab robberies: ‘Tone-deaf and offensive’https://t.co/ItGsQePWm1

— Bernard B. Kerik (@BernardKerik) December 5, 2021

Below is some “data” for AOC:

Smash and grab at Japantown! Asian tourist told me she’s from New York and stopped to get food before going to the airport. Perps took two backpacks and two suitcases. She lost a laptop and camera with lenses. Her luggage with clothes and passports found in another neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/SdZaXfrBHH

— Asian Crime Report (@activeasian) November 26, 2021

A large mob robbed Sam’s Jewelers inside Southland Mall, Hayward. PD said they received calls at 5:25 pm today. Witnesses told me 1st wave of robbers involved about 30-40 kids. A 2nd wave with fewer robbers returned to clean it up. Story tonight 11 on Ch 5 @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/1kXj5N4UT2

— Da Lin (@DaKPIX) November 22, 2021

Jewelry store inside a shopping center in LA, targeted today in a smash-and-grab pic.twitter.com/BcEnLRH40w

— Libs of Tik Tok (@libsoftiktok) December 3, 2021

CNN: “Customers are terrified” as “smash-and-grab” robbers target retailers in Democrat-run cities. pic.twitter.com/PmwYM64Ajd

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 27, 2021

Smash and grab at Japantown again!!! So much traffic and ppl but criminals know it’s safe to do this since there’s no punishment in San Francisco for these crimes! Criminals run this city! Video sent to me by an Instagram follower. pic.twitter.com/WyHEjLBfcI

— Asian Crime Report (@activeasian) November 29, 2021

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s claim that the smash-and-grab crime wave is a hoax drew howls from fellow lawmakers on Capitol Hill, as retailers and police refuted the claim by detailing the huge impact of organized theft.https://t.co/iA6zdZfQsm

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 4, 2021

Sources: Dennismichaellynch, FoxNews, Washington Times