New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler advised reporters Wednesday {that a} Senate colleague’s son verbally accosted him the night time earlier than, making antisemitic and homophobic remarks.
Lawler gave his account to reporters of how occasions unfolded, saying that William Paul, the son of Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, approached him at a Capitol Hill bar and restaurant, launched himself and advised the congressman that if GOP Rep. Thomas Massie loses his upcoming main race, it’s going to be as a result of “of my people.”
Lawler mentioned he responded by asking if Paul thought he was Jewish, to which Paul, who’s 33, mentioned “yes.” Lawler corrected him and mentioned he’s Irish-Italian Catholic.
“He goes, ‘Oh, oh, I’m sorry to accuse you of that,’ which is just a remarkable statement in and of itself,” Lawler recounted to reporters.
NOTUS first reported the trade between William Paul and Lawler.
Lawler mentioned William Paul then launched right into a 10-minute diatribe through which he talked about Israel and Jews, which he mentioned featured comments that performed into antisemitic tropes.
“And at one point, you know, said that he hates Jews and hates gays and doesn’t care if they die. And I think that’s f**king disgusting,” the congressman mentioned.
Lawler advised reporters that he believes William Paul was intoxicated however mentioned it’s no excuse for his conduct.
“That’s not an excuse for that type of hatred and vitriol. It’s my fourth year in Washington, that was arguably the most shocking thing I’ve witnessed,” he advised reporters Wednesday.
Since the incident, an X account with the title William H. Paul posted, “Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem.”
NCS has tried to achieve out to William Paul for additional remark.
Lawler mentioned he has not spoken to Rand Paul or Massie for the reason that incident. He additionally acknowledged that they haven’t reached out to him.
“I’ll leave it to Senator Paul, how he wants to respond to it. I just think it’s extremely unfortunate,” Lawler mentioned.
Rand Paul refused to reply reporters’ questions concerning the incident Wednesday, saying “I don’t have anything for you” when requested for his response.
Lawler has beforehand launched measures to fight antisemitism on school campuses.