Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, representing the state of Pennsylvania, have publicly condemned the recent attacks on pro-Israel groups, particularly in light of a violent incident in Boulder, Colorado. Their comments were delivered during a bipartisan forum organized by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the Orr, Hatch Foundation, which is part of The Senate Project series. Fetterman expressed deep concern over the growth of antisemitism in the country, stating that the attack was ‘astonishing’ and that the issue is ‘out of control’. McCormick, who recently returned from a trip to Israel, emphasized the need for institutional action and a clear mandate to combat antisemitism. The senators also highlighted the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing threats like Hamas and the need to hold these groups accountable for their actions.
The incident in Boulder, Colorado, has sparked significant concern and raised questions about the safety of pro-Israel gatherings in the United States. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is facing murder, assault, and other charges following what the FBI described as a ‘targeted terror attack’ in the area. Soliman, who is in the country illegally from Egypt, was allegedly attacking a pro-Israel group when the incident occurred. The FBI’s description of the attack as a ‘terrorist attack’ has raised alarm among security officials and community leaders, who are calling for increased vigilance and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
In addition to their comments on the Boulder attack, both senators also addressed broader concerns regarding the current geopolitical landscape. Fetterman noted that the issue of antisemitism has put him at odds with many within his party, as he is firmly aligned with the United States’ support for Israel. McCormick, on the other hand, called for continued pressure on Hamas to destroy its military capabilities, stating that this is a critical step in ensuring regional stability. The senators’ remarks underscore the complexity of addressing both domestic and international challenges, particularly in the context of growing tensions between Israel and its adversaries.
The bipartisan forum itself has raised questions about the role of such events in bridging political divides. The series, which brings together senators from opposing parties for open dialogue, aims to foster understanding and find solutions to pressing issues. Kennedy Institute Chairman Bruce A. Percelay emphasized the importance of these discussions in strengthening democratic discourse and promoting national unity. As the senators continue to speak out on these matters, their comments reflect a broader concern about the state of antisemitism in the United States and its implications for national security and political cohesion.