Rep. Mike Ezell, a first-term Republican congressman from Mississippi, was caught on video knocking a cellphone out of the hand of an antiwar activist who was asking him about the killing of Palestinians. The incident took place in a hallway before a House committee meeting in Washington, with two activists from CodePink questioning Ezell about the Israel-Hamas war. One of the activists accused Ezell of supporting genocide and the killing of Palestinian people. In response, Ezell told them to shut up and knocked down the cellphone being used to record the interaction.
The woman identified as Sumer Mobarak, a Palestinian American, filed a police report against Ezell, alleging assault. U.S. Capitol Police confirmed they are looking into the incident but did not provide further details. Ezell, a former sheriff who became a U.S. congressman in 2022, is currently seeking reelection. His spokesperson stated that the confrontation occurred before a meeting of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Ezell has also released a statement accusing the protesters of being backed by China and attempting to intimidate Members of Congress into changing their stance on Israel and Hamas.
CodePink, the antiwar group that the activists belong to, denies being backed by China and emphasizes on their website that China is not their enemy. The group has been known for its activism against war and violence around the world. The incident involving Rep. Ezell and the activists has sparked controversy and debate over freedom of speech and the right to protest. The video of the confrontation has circulated online, with many expressing support for the activists and criticizing Ezell’s actions.
As the investigation into the incident continues, it has brought attention to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the broader issue of U.S. support for Israel. The debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a contentious one that has divided politicians, activists, and the public. The incident involving Rep. Ezell has added another layer to the discussion, highlighting the challenges and complexities of addressing such sensitive and divisive issues. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what actions will be taken in response to the altercation.
