Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX) recently revealed that his Georgetown office was vandalized by anti-Israel activists. This incident comes after Carter voted in favor of providing $26 billion in aid to Israel’s foreign aid package.
This included sending aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, proposed by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA).
On Monday, the congressman posted a photo on X showing red paint splattered across his office door with the words “Free Gaza,” which appeared on the sidewalk in front of the office.
“Unhinged anti-Israel activists vandalized my Georgetown office. Let me make 2 things clear: my support for Israel is unwavering & your intimidation won’t work,” Carter wrote. “Secondly, the parties responsible will be found & will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
This is a gross, outrageous, and despicable attempt to intimidate a member of Congress.
I stand with @JudgeCarter, just as I stand with our ally, Israel.
All representatives — Republicans and Democrats — should condemn this criminal act. https://t.co/qNK6pvb1JY
— Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) April 22, 2024
A spokesperson for Carter’s office said staff arrived at the district office around 8:30 am on Monday to find a disturbing act of vandalism after activists splattered red paint over the door.
“Ironically enough, our staff was scheduled for a safety briefing with U.S. Capitol Police, so they arrived shortly after staff,” the spokesperson said. “Local police were called, and a report was filed. There is an active investigation.”
In a statement to the Washington Examiner, Carter referred to the activists as unhinged and stated that their plans were unsuccessful.
“They aimed to intimidate me and my staff, and I want to make it very clear that they were unsuccessful,” Carter said. “I stand unequivocally with Israel. This isn’t free speech; it’s a crime, and down here in Texas, we hold criminals accountable. Whoever did this will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I appreciate the Georgetown Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police for their assistance and quick response to this incident.”
In a press release, the Georgetown Police Department said that Carter’s office estimated the damages cost around $2,000. The police classified the act as Criminal Mischief, a Class A misdemeanor.
Carter is the latest member of Congress to have their office or home vandalized by protesters who are calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza.