Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, said that the recent attack in Washington, D.C., reflects rising antisemitism and affirmed that justice would be pursued. The statement was made on X.
"More violence and antisemitism in our country," said C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "I, like many Americans, are praying for the victims. This violence must stop. I know the DoJ will prosecute those to the fullest."
A fatal shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025, has been labeled a possible antisemitic attack after two Israeli embassy staffers were killed following an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. According to The Washington Post, the suspect allegedly shouted "Free, free Palestine" during his arrest, prompting federal and local authorities to investigate it as a hate crime. This incident has intensified calls for action amid a broader rise in antisemitic violence across the United States.
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) annual audit, the U.S. experienced 8,873 antisemitic incidents in 2024—a 140% increase from the previous year and the highest total since record-keeping began in 1979. The report highlights spikes in harassment (up 184%), vandalism (up 69%), and physical assaults (up 45%) compared to 2022. The ADL attributes much of this rise to tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
As reported by Wikipedia’s compilation of hate crime data, major U.S. cities have seen sharp increases in antisemitic incidents over the past five years. In New York City, the number of recorded antisemitic hate crimes rose from 121 in 2019 to 207 in 2023, while Los Angeles saw its tally grow from 83 to 150 over the same period. These numbers reflect a national trend, with urban centers becoming focal points for rising antisemitic activity.
Block is a Republican currently serving as New Mexico State Senator for District 12. He began his term on January 1, 2025, after previously holding office as a Sandoval County Commissioner from 2016 to 2024. According to his official biography on Wikipedia, Block is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with a background in nuclear weapons and combat experience in Afghanistan. He also ran in the GOP primary for New Mexico governor in 2022.
