CLEVELAND — Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, has reported a troubling encounter on his way to work Thursday morning, claiming he was threatened and run off the road by a man in a Tesla displaying a Palestinian flag.
The incident, which has heightened concerns about political violence, is currently under investigation by both U.S. Capitol Police and local authorities in Rocky River, Ohio.
Feras S. Hamdan, a resident of Westlake, Ohio, has surrendered to Rocky River police following a criminal complaint of aggravated menacing filed by Miller, leading to an arrest warrant.
In a recorded 911 call, Miller recounted the event, stating, “I was cut off by a man in a Tesla who held up a Palestinian flag to me, and then rolled down his window and said that ‘I’m going to cut your throat and your daughter’s.’”
Miller, who is Jewish, detailed further threats made against him and his family during the call, where he also expressed concern for his one-year-old daughter who was not in the vehicle.
The congressman shared with dispatchers that he followed Hamdan on Interstate 90 to gather his license plate information after the initial confrontation.
“I am a little shaken, to be quite honest,” Miller told the dispatcher, noting that he was armed but relieved he did not resort to using his weapon.
While searching for evidence, officers noted they did not find any flag that may have been discarded from Hamdan’s vehicle.
Rocky River Police operations manager Julie Morron mentioned that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to look for the missing flag.
In a social media video on Thursday, Miller expressed relief that his daughter was unharmed during the ordeal.
Despite the frightening experience, he chose to continue with his scheduled meetings that day, stating it was important to convey that such incidents would not deter his work.
Miller later engaged with police to provide further details about the road rage episode.
Following their investigation, officials identified Hamdan as the other party involved in the incident. He is currently awaiting a court hearing.
Multiple agencies, including the Capitol Police, the FBI, and Ohio State Highway Patrol, are collaborating on the investigation as the local police navigate this serious situation.
In response to the threats against a member of Congress, Capitol Police quickly dispatched special agents to assist with the case.
Acting Capitol Police Chief Sean Gallagher emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing threats against elected officials, stating, “In less than 24 hours… the suspect in the case was arrested that same evening.”
This confrontation denotes an alarming backdrop of rising political violence in the nation. Just days prior, two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota were victims of a shooting that has been characterized as politically motivated, highlighting the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety of public figures.
In his video statement, Miller urged constituents to engage with lawmakers through appropriate channels rather than resorting to aggression, saying, “the appropriate thing to do is to reach out to them for a phone call, to set up a meeting.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the incident, labeling it an “outrageous example of unhinged rhetoric” motivating individuals to threaten elected officials.
Johnson called for a collective effort to lower the tensions in the country, indicating that escalating aggression is unacceptable.
House Democratic leaders also condemned the events, expressing gratitude that Miller and his child remained safe.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on Congressman Max Miller and his family,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, emphasizing the need for congressional action to address rising political violence.
As the situation develops, local police and federal agencies remain vigilant in their investigation, highlighting the significance of protecting lawmakers from threats and violence.
The combined efforts of law enforcement reflect the critical nature of ensuring safety for all those serving in government roles.
The Rocky River Police Department is expected to keep the public informed as this case unfolds and as they continue their search for any evidence linked to the threatening encounter.
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