House Democrat accused of threatening Jewish colleague for speaking boldly about Dems who opposed pro-Israel resolution

Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.) is not happy that his colleague, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), criticized him and other House Democrats who voted against a pro-Israel resolution.

Last Thursday, the House passed a resolution supporting Israel, condemning Hamas, and reaffirming the U.S. government's readiness to help Israel defend itself. Nine Democrats — including Carson — voted against the resolution, while another six failed to support it by voting "present." Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was the only Republican who voted against it.

After the vote, Gottheimer, who is Jewish, torched his Democratic colleagues.

"Last night, 15 of my Democratic colleagues voted AGAINST standing with our ally Israel and condemning Hamas terrorists who brutally murdered, raped, and kidnapped babies, children, men, women, and elderly, including Americans," Gottheimer said. "They are despicable and do not speak for our party."

Carson, who is Muslim, responded by personally attacking Gottheimer as a "coward."

"I think he's shown himself to be very emotional. I think he's posturing before the cameras. He postured before caucus, but like most cowardly people, when you confront them, they're afraid. I'm unafraid of the guy. I'd like to sit down to talk to him. He probably doesn't want to talk to me," Carson told CNN.

"There are Americans out there who are deeply opposed to what’s happening. And if he wants to call us despicable, I'm saying he's a coward. And he's a punk and he should remember why the people sent him here and if he wants to play some kind of tough guy, a gangster – we can handle it like gentlemen, or we can get into something else," Carson added.

Carson's concluding remark — telling CNN that he and Gottheimer can handle their dispute like "gentlemen" or "get into something else" — was a veiled threat of violence, according to Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.

"It's inexcusable for any member of Congress to threaten a colleague, & especially egregious that @RepAndreCarson is threatening a Jewish member for speaking out at a moment when we're seeing a massive spike in antisemitism," Greenblatt responded. "What's the point? Does he think it’s productive to intimidate @RepJoshG?"

In a statement, Gottheimer said he is willing to dialogue with Carson.

"I'll sit down with Mr. Carson any time to talk about how we can bring the hostages home, including all Americans, provide immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians being used as human shields, and crush Hamas and all terrorists seeking to do us harm," Gottheimer said.

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