US senator’s son accosts NY congressman with drunken antisemitic tirade — report

US Rep. Mike Lawler was accosted at a bar by US Senator Rand Paul’s drunk son, who peppered him with antisemitic invective, according to a report in the US publication NOTUS.

Lawler, whose district covers a heavily Jewish suburban New York area, is an outspoken supporter of Israel and opponent of antisemitism, but is not Jewish himself. Both he and Rand Paul, of Kentucky, are Republicans.

In an exchange at a Washington, DC, bar that was witnessed by Reese Gorman, a reporter for NOTUS, Rand Paul’s son William approached Lawler and said “your people” would be to blame if his favored candidate lost in a Kentucky congressional primary. William Paul then confirmed that he was referring to Jews.

When Lawler clarified that he wasn’t Jewish, Paul reportedly responded, “Oh wow, I’m so sorry for calling you a Jew.” Paul then went on to say that Jews were “anti-American” and more loyal to Israel than the US, according to the report. Lawler reportedly told him off for being antisemitic.

Paul also reportedly told Lawler that he “needs to watch more Tucker Carlson,” a reference to the far-right anti-Israel podcaster who has invited multiple antisemites onto his show. Paul also said he was “just really drunk,” according to the report.

In response, Paul writes on X, “I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem.”

The Kentucky congressional primary in question has seen a separate antisemitic incident. A prominent Jewish donor to Republican politicians is the target of an attack ad against Republican Ed Gallrein, who is running against Rep. Thomas Massie. The ad claims that Singer, 81, will bring his “trans madness to Kentucky.” It describes him as a “major pro-gay, pro-trans activist who works with far-left, hardcore Democrats,” and shows a Star of David overlaid with the rainbow Pride flag.