ROCKY RIVER, OHIO — Republican Congressman and former Marine reservist Max Miller (R-Ohio) reported Thursday that he was targeted in what he described as a politically and religiously motivated act of aggression while driving through his hometown.
“Death to Israel” Shouted During Incident
Miller, who is Jewish and represents Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, said an “unhinged, deranged man” waving a Palestinian flag swerved toward him and ran him off the road. The assailant allegedly shouted “Death to Israel” and made violent threats against Miller and his family.
Following the incident, Miller posted a video thanking God that his daughter wasn’t in the car. “I will continue to fight against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all other kinds of hate,” he declared.
“You have an issue, take it to our office. You want to run me off the road — that’s a different story. We know who you are, young man, and the police are going to be paying you a visit. I hope what you did this morning is worth it — to you and to anyone else who plans on doing this to anybody in our district, state, or country.”
Authorities Involved, Suspect Identified
Miller confirmed he immediately contacted both the U.S. Capitol Police and local law enforcement. Authorities have since identified the suspect. Charges are expected.
Local police have not yet released the suspect’s name or additional details about potential charges as of Friday morning.
Lawmakers Respond: ‘Blatant Antisemitic Violence’
House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), quickly responded, calling the incident “blatant antisemitic violence.” Jeffries condemned the act and linked it to a broader pattern of politically motivated threats targeting lawmakers.
“The rise in political violence in this country is unacceptable,” read a joint statement from Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar, referencing growing concerns about security for elected officials.
Part of a Larger Pattern?
The incident in Ohio follows a wave of politically motivated violence targeting lawmakers across the country. In Minnesota, a gunman disguised as a police officer recently opened fire on two Democratic state legislators. Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife survived — despite being shot nine and eight times, respectively.
Context: Antisemitism on the Rise
The Anti-Defamation League and other watchdog groups have documented a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. amid international tensions and protests following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Many in Congress — on both sides of the aisle — warn that the threats are increasingly becoming personal, physical, and dangerously real.
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