New Mexico Senate Republicans announced that Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) has denounced the attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staffers.
According to New Mexico Senate Republicans, Brandt, who is the founder and co-chair of the Friends with Israel Caucus in the New Mexico Legislature, released a statement condemning the violence. "I am deeply saddened by this horrific attack on the Jewish community. This is a direct result of the ongoing violent rhetoric promulgated by the pro-Hamas and anti-Israel activist groups we see in communities around the country," he said. Brandt emphasized his support for free speech but noted that rhetoric calling for violence cannot be tolerated. He cited Joshua Hoffman, saying: "When one group's 'freedom' includes chanting for the eradication of another, that's not protest. That's incitement."
Brandt further said, "We must be responsible for the things we say, ‘from the river to the sea,’ calls for the annihilation of Israel and its people. Calls for violence such as this are disgusting and cause harm to others. Express your views in a responsible manner, not in a way that causes innocent people to die."
According to a report by Fox News, Elias Rodriguez from Chicago has been identified as the suspect in this incident. The Embassy of Israel confirmed that victims Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were engaged to be married. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith indicated that Rodriguez acted alone and is currently in custody.
The New Mexico Senate Republicans emphasize their commitment to representing their constituents' values and working towards a safer future for New Mexicans.
