Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) said his office in the U.S. Capitol was vandalized after posters of Israelis being held hostage in Gaza were ripped down amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
Schneider, a vocal pro-Israel Democrat and co-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, said on X that posters of the hostages were ripped down, shredded, and tossed across the hallway in a “vile act of hate.” He said the actions occurred on the Fourth of July.
“This was a shameful act on any day, but especially on July 4, our country’s Independence Day,” said Schneider, who is Jewish. “Sadly, it was but one of many hateful, un-American actions that took place across the country on the day we celebrate freedom and democracy. I’ve been disgusted by the videos and reports of individuals calling July 4th a ‘terrorist holiday’ and burning American flags.”
The Illinois Democrat condemned previous anti-Israel rhetoric and actions that have occurred at both Republican and Democratic members’ homes and district offices. Schneider said pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside his office in the morning last weekend.
“The same groups that were at my house earlier in the week marched through Chicago on July 4th, not calling for peace, but rather condemning the United States of America,” Schneider said. “These actions don’t advance peace. Instead, they play directly into the hands of Hamas terrorists enabling them to continue to hold hostage not only those they kidnapped from Israel, but all civilians in Gaza as well.”
U.S. Capitol Police told the Washington Examiner that they are aware of the incident and investigating.
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“To protect the investigation, we cannot provide any more information at this time,” the Capitol Police said, adding that there are no damages to the building as all the paper was on the ground.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Schneider’s office for additional information.
