Democratic Activist Honors Late Iranian Leader at Funeral

WHO:

KATU - Calla Walsh, a former Democratic strategist and activist, attended the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Fox News - Calla Walsh has previously volunteered for Massachusetts Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and worked for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s campaign.

WHAT:

KATU - Walsh described Khamenei as the “greatest anti-imperialist leader” in her lifetime during an interview with Iran’s Press TV.

KATU - Mourners at Khamenei’s funeral vowed revenge on the U.S., with one mourner stating, "We will not rest until we avenge his death."

Fox News - Walsh praised Khamenei as a leader for those struggling against imperialism, arrogance, Zionism, and genocide.

Fox News - The funeral gathering was reported to be one of the largest public ceremonies in recent years.

WHERE:

KATU - The funeral of Ali Khamenei took place in Iran.

Fox News - Walsh is currently living in Lebanon.

WHEN:

KATU - Khamenei’s funeral was held on a Saturday.

Fox News - The interview with Walsh aired during the coverage of Khamenei’s funeral.

WHY:

KATU - Walsh stated that multiple Iranians are rooting for the regime against the war with the U.S.

Fox News - Walsh framed the recent conflict as a defeat for the United States, claiming it has been more humiliated than ever before.

HOW:

KATU - Walsh made her remarks during an interview with Iran’s Press TV.

Fox News - Walsh has been involved in various political campaigns and organizations, including serving as a regional organizer for Act on Mass and working as digital director for Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia.

(UPDATED July 7, 2026 21:29 UTC)

Calla Walsh, a former Democratic strategist and activist, attended the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Iran, where she described him as the “greatest anti-imperialist leader” in her lifetime during an interview with Iran’s Press TV. Mourners at the funeral, reported to be one of the largest public ceremonies in recent years, vowed revenge on the U.S., with one stating, "We will not rest until we avenge his death." Currently living in Lebanon, Walsh has a history of political involvement, having volunteered for Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and she framed the recent conflict as a significant defeat for the United States.