Kamala Harris’ speech was interrupted twice by demonstrators sympathetic to Gaza. How did she respond?

(CNN) — Demonstrators sympathizing with Gaza briefly interrupted US Vice President Kamala Harris‘ speech at her campaign rally in North Carolina on Saturday. “This is what democracy looks like,” Harris replied.

As the demonstrators left, others began to protest with a banner reading “Free Palestine.” The audience covered the protesters with chants of “We will not return.”

Both times, Harris acknowledged the protesters, telling the crowd: “It’s okay. We want this war in the Middle East to end. We want the guards to go home.”

Demonstrators protesting President Joe Biden’s administration’s aid to Israel in Gaza have become a mainstay on the campaign trail, often interrupting Harris’ remarks during the her speech.

Harris’ election event in North Carolina comes at a time when network polls show… CNN Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a close race for a key southern battleground.

North Carolina is among the seven states that are considered likely to determine the status of the presidential election. Harris and Trump both campaigned there today, highlighting the importance of the location just three days before the election.