Press Releases
Webster Urges DOJ to Address Pro-Hamas Activity in the United States
October 23, 2023
Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, recently joined U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), and 33 of his Republican House colleagues, in expressing their concern regarding the recent public rallies occurring in the United States in support of Hamas Terrorist Organization. Rep. Webster and his colleagues are requesting that Attorney General Merrick Garland uphold his commitment to the American people by responding to a series of questions related to this recent pro-Hamas activity.
Since Hamas’ initial attack on Israel on October 7, rallies in support of Hamas have been occurring throughout the United States, directing violence and anti-Semitic vandalism towards Jewish Americans and our nation’s cities and college campuses. This includes a public declaration of a “Day of Rage” on October 13, leading to increased security measures at the U.S. Capitol and cities across the country. While the Freedom of Speech is a cornerstone of our nation, there is no place for activities that call for the intimidation and endangerment of American citizens.
“On October 4, 2021, your department announced its intention to go after American parents who were speaking on behalf of their children at school board meetings… you cited ‘a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence,” the members wrote. “However, since Hamas’ recent attack on Israel, you have not issued a similar memo about the increase of anti-Semitic violence, the threats of intimidation being made against supports of Israel, or the public rallies being held in support of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.”
It must be made clear that the United States wholly and strongly condemns anti-Semitism and stands with our Jewish allies. Therefore, Attorney General Merrick Garland must be held accountable for his failure to address these pro-Hamas rallies and answer the questions posed by Congress.
Co-signers of the letter include Representatives Bill Johnson (R-OH), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Rudy Yakym III (R-IN), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ), Scott Perry (R-PA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Mary Miller (R-IL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Randy Weber (R-TX), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Bob Good (R-VA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Burgess Owens (R-TN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI).
Read the full letter text here.
Since Hamas’ initial attack on Israel on October 7, rallies in support of Hamas have been occurring throughout the United States, directing violence and anti-Semitic vandalism towards Jewish Americans and our nation’s cities and college campuses. This includes a public declaration of a “Day of Rage” on October 13, leading to increased security measures at the U.S. Capitol and cities across the country. While the Freedom of Speech is a cornerstone of our nation, there is no place for activities that call for the intimidation and endangerment of American citizens.
“On October 4, 2021, your department announced its intention to go after American parents who were speaking on behalf of their children at school board meetings… you cited ‘a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence,” the members wrote. “However, since Hamas’ recent attack on Israel, you have not issued a similar memo about the increase of anti-Semitic violence, the threats of intimidation being made against supports of Israel, or the public rallies being held in support of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.”
It must be made clear that the United States wholly and strongly condemns anti-Semitism and stands with our Jewish allies. Therefore, Attorney General Merrick Garland must be held accountable for his failure to address these pro-Hamas rallies and answer the questions posed by Congress.
Co-signers of the letter include Representatives Bill Johnson (R-OH), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Rudy Yakym III (R-IN), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ), Scott Perry (R-PA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Mary Miller (R-IL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Randy Weber (R-TX), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Bob Good (R-VA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Burgess Owens (R-TN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI).
Read the full letter text here.
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