Rep. Fleischmann stands ground after controversial video goes viral
WASHINGTON (WDEF) — Local Congressman Chuck Fleischmann is at the center of controversy after a video posted to X shows him in a fiery exchange regarding Israel and Palestine.
Members of a grassroots organization that backs Palestinians called “CODEPINK” confronted Fleischmann about his support for Israel amidst the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza.
He told the activists he would never support Palestine, and eventually said, “Goodbye to Palestine.”
“I will always support Israel, and you can tell the Palestinians I will never support them,” Rep. Fleischmann said.
One of the activists responded, “I am a Palestinian,” at which point Fleischmann responded, “And I will tell you. I will never support you.”
Fleischmann continued, “I will tell you to your face– goodbye to Palestine!”
Watch Here:
News 12 has reached out to Rep. Fleischmann’s team. They responded with a statement Rep. Fleischmann posted to X.
The United States of America will always stand together with Israel and against evil radical terrorists and their supporters! pic.twitter.com/NIBGlshOZO
— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) March 7, 2024
Read his statement in full below.
“Yesterday, I was confronted by the anti-American, pro-Hamas, Leftist protestors who support the destruction of Israel. Tennesseans and Americans nationwide are fed up with this small, antisemitic movement that refuses to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. I passionately and forcefully defended Israel’s right to self-defense following Hamas’ evil October 7 attacks that left over 1200 innocent people dead and hundreds still kidnapped by Hamas and their Palestinian supporters.
Israel will win this war against Hamas, and the United States of America will support Israel until they finish the job. There is no security for anyone as long as terrorists have any safe haven to plot and carry out their evil intentions. I will always stand against the antisemitic Far Left and neo-Marxists who hate America and seek the dissolution of Israel.”
Pro-Palestinian supporters claim, “Women, children, and men in Gaza are being starved and massacred by American-backed Israeli forces everyday.”
CODEPINK calls Rep. Fleischmann’s statements “An open admission of genocidal intent from a sitting member of Congress.”
The war in the Middle East has also impacted democratic representatives. President Biden received uncommitted responses from voters on Super Tuesday due to his involvement in the Israel-Hamas War.
Let us know what you think about Rep. Fleischmann’s comments here.
