Official statements from Senator John Kennedy's office, news reports, or social media posts

US Sen. Kennedy Accuses Arab American Advocate of Supporting Terrorists in Hate Crimes Hearing

Sep 17, 2024, 06:46 PM

During a Senate Judiciary hearing on hate crimes, US Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) accused Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute, of supporting terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Kennedy's questioning included a statement telling Berry to 'hide her head in a bag,' which Berry countered by highlighting the focus on hate in the country. The hearing, which initially acknowledged victims of hate crimes, including those from the Tree of Life synagogue and 6-year-old Wadea al-Fayoume, strayed into contentious territory with Kennedy's remarks. The incident has drawn significant attention to the issue of Islamophobia in formal proceedings.