US Congressman Brad Schneider says his Capitol office was vandalized

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July 9, 2024

On Friday, Illinois US Congressman said on X there was vandalism at his US Capitol office on Thursday. According to Schneider, "the posters of the more than 100 people still held hostage in Gaza (including 8 Americans) were ripped from the wall, shredded and tossed across the hallway." Photographic documentation of vandalism was also provided via X by Schneider. A report was made with the, according to a Schneider staffer.

Schneider called it "a vile act of hate" and that it was "a shameful act on any day, but especially on July 4, our country’s Independence Day." He also said that it was "one of many hateful, un-American actions that took place across the country on the day we celebrate freedom and democracy," and that he had been "disgusted by the videos and reports of individuals calling July 4th a 'terrorist holiday' and burning American flags." Schneider said that "these actions don’t advance peace" and that "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."

The Saturday before, pro- protestors rallied outside Schneider's home, where 40 people gathered, holding banners and using loudspeakers, bullhorns and drums to shout "pro-Palestinian and antisemitic chants." After 30 minutes, all protestors had left, vowing "we will be back." Nobody was arrested. Other protests were held Sunday night outside of the home of Illinois Governor.

This came amidst the recent escalation after the. The attack killed 1,139 Israelis, including 373 members of the security forces, 695 civilians (including 36 children), and 71 foreigners. In addition, nearly 250 Israelis were taken hostage. During the attack, more than 3,000 Hamas gunmen crossed the border, as well as nearly 6,000 rockets were fired. Sources indicate numerous acts of sexual assault resulted during this conflict. Thousands of rockets are also reported to have been fired during the attack. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and mobilized 350,000 reservists. Up to May 2024, Israel says they have killed 14,000 terrorists and 16,000 civilians during the war, while Hamas says that 35,000 people have been killed.