Amid rising concerns about threats against elected officials, a man has been apprehended after allegedly threatening U.S. Representative Max Miller and his family with antisemitic slurs and forcing him off the road.
According to a statement from Miller, the suspect allegedly threatened the Ohio Congressman, who is Jewish and a supporter of Israel, on Thursday morning, calling for the death of Israel, the Congressman, and his family. Miller also stated that the individual waved a Palestinian flag at him.
Authorities have identified the man as Feras S. Hamdan of Westlake, Ohio. The Rocky River Police Department reported that the suspect allegedly ran Miller off the road on Interstate 90 and fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Police report that the 36-year-old suspect is in custody and awaiting a court appearance.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on Thursday, “What happened to Max this morning is yet another outrageous example of unhinged rhetoric inspiring unstable people to threaten and attack elected officials who are serving their communities. We must turn down the temperature in this country.”
This incident follows the recent shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in what authorities have described as a premeditated attack where the assailant, disguised as law enforcement, shot the victims in their home. Another Minnesota Democrat, state senator John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times and hospitalized. Both survived.
A suspect has been arrested and is facing multiple federal and state charges.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the attack on Miller, urging Congress to take action in response to this “moment of crisis” to “ensure the safety of every single Member who serves in the People’s House.”
Research indicates that threats against members of Congress are increasing in the U.S. The U.S. Capitol Police reported that the number of threats and other concerning statements directed towards members of Congress, their family members, and staffers rose from nearly 4,000 in 2017 to 9,625 in 2021.
President Donald Trump was reportedly subject to two assassination attempts during his campaign last year.
The Rocky River Police Department is collaborating with the U.S. Capitol Police, the Ohio State Patrol, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the investigation.
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