DES MOINES, Iowa – U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson, Randy Feenstra, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, joined 31 of their Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to probe pro-Hamas groups and protect Jewish communities amid a surge of anti-Semitic threats and calls for violence.
“These are alarming incidents. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our nation, but coordinated activities supporting Hamas, and intimidating and endangering other citizens have no place in our lawful society. Your department plays a critical role in enforcing the equal application of the law and safeguarding our nation’s security. In that regard, we want to know what steps are being taken by the Department of Justice to investigate Hamas supporters in the United States, as well as the perpetrators of anti-Semitic violence in cities and school campuses across the nation,” he letter says in part.
“However, since Hamas’s 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. Your inaction in the face of these threats is alarming and requires us to ask the following questions to ensure you are being held accountable to the American people and the Constitution you have sworn to uphold,” the letter adds.
In a released statement, Hinson said she has been disturbed by pro-Hamas demonstrations nationally and in her district.
“It has been disturbing to witness pro-Hamas demonstrations across the United States, and even in Cedar Rapids, following Hamas’s horrific terrorist attacks on Israel. We must call out anti-Semitism in every form and I condemn the recent rise in blatant anti-Semitic rhetoric – whether it is in the halls of Congress, at pro-Hamas rallies, or from student groups at elite universities. While the Department of Justice was quick to target concerned parents at school board meetings, they have not shown the same urgency here, despite a planned “Day of Rage” and other sickening calls for violence against Jewish Americans,” she said.
All of Iowa’s members of Congress have backed, sponsored, or co-sponsored a variety of legislation, resolutions, and letters condemning Hamas and supporting Israel.
Read the letter below:
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