On Friday, Illinois Democrat Rep. Brad Schneider announced that his office had been vandalized in what he described as a “vile act of hate.” The incident involved the posters of more than 100 people still held hostage in Gaza, some of whom are Americans, being ripped off the wall. The U.S. Capitol Police are looking into the matter but will not provide any information, citing the need to “protect the investigation.
The congressman, who serves as co-chair of the congressional Israel Allies Caucus, shared an image of the scattered posters across the hallway on Twitter, some visibly crumpled up. He described the act as “shameful,” particularly as it happened on Independence Day. Schneider expressed disgust for videos and reports of some calling Independence Day a “terrorist holiday” and burning American flags.
Adding to his frustration, Schneider revealed that his home had been targeted last weekend in the middle of the night by approximately 50 masked demonstrators banging drums, blowing horns, and screaming antisemitic chants. He continued that these actions do nothing to advance peace but instead play directly into the hands of Hamas terrorists.
Indeed, protesters descended on Schneider’s Illinois home last weekend, shocking neighbors as they were awakened by the noise. U.S. Capitol Police are aware of the incident and investigating it, though they will not provide any more information at this time, giving out the same statement with no details.
Schneider recently blasted the “shocking level of antisemitism” seen from students across the country during a recent appearance on Fox News Channel’s Special Report. He expressed concern about tax benefits given to groups like Students for Justice in Palestine and emphasized the importance of the legislation addressing this issue.