South Lake Today

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, along with U.S. Representative John Moolenaar and 33 other Republican House colleagues, has expressed concern about the recent public rallies in the United States in support of the Hamas Terrorist Organization. They are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to respond to a series of questions regarding this pro-Hamas activity.

Since Hamas' initial attack on Israel on October 7, rallies in support of Hamas have been taking place across the United States. These rallies have led to violence and anti-Semitic vandalism targeting Jewish Americans and cities and college campuses. The situation escalated with a public declaration of a "Day of Rage" on October 13, prompting increased security measures at the U.S. Capitol and cities nationwide.

While freedom of speech is a fundamental right in the United States, there is no place for activities that promote the intimidation and endangerment of American citizens. Congressman Webster and his colleagues have pointed out the discrepancy in the Department of Justice's response to different forms of violence. They wrote, "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.' 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 supporters of Israel, or the public rallies being held in support of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization."

It is crucial to emphasize that the United States firmly condemns anti-Semitism and stands with its Jewish allies. Therefore, Congressman Webster and his colleagues are calling for Attorney General Garland to be held accountable for his failure to address these pro-Hamas rallies and respond to Congress' questions.

A number of representatives have co-signed the letter, including Representatives Bill Johnson, Jack Bergman, Joe Wilson, Carlos Gimenez, Rudy Yakym III, Tim Burchett, Paul A. Gosar, Scott Perry, Doug LaMalfa, Diana Harshbarger, Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Andy Harris, Claudia Tenney, Ralph Norman, Ken Calvert, Nick Langworthy, Randy Weber, Lisa McClain, Tim Walberg, Kevin Kiley, Dan Newhouse, Matt Rosendale, Ashley Hinson, Bob Good, Randy Feenstra, Robert B. Aderholt, Guy Reschenthaler, Andy Ogles, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Burgess Owens, Don Bacon, and Bill Huizenga.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

This call for action highlights the importance of addressing pro-Hamas activity in the United States and ensuring the safety and well-being of all American citizens.

To find out more, go to this link: https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EB017B13-B8C5-46E6-901F-0461BFA4D883