Washington — In a surprising encounter at a Washington, D.C. bar, Republican Representative Mike Lawler from New York reported being confronted by the allegedly intoxicated son of GOP Senator Rand Paul. During the interaction, William Paul reportedly made antisemitic remarks toward Lawler.
Lawler recounted the incident, which took place on Tuesday night at the Tune Inn, where he was dining with a friend and a journalist from the news outlet NOTUS. The confrontation was first reported by NOTUS.
According to Lawler, William Paul interjected into their conversation, accusing him of being responsible for the potential electoral loss of fellow Republican Thomas Massie, who is facing a formidable primary challenge from a candidate endorsed by former President Trump. Both Massie and the Paul family hail from Kentucky.
Lawler recalled asking Paul to clarify who he meant by “my people.” In response, Paul allegedly shouted, “Jews,” prompting Lawler to question whether Paul believed he was Jewish. Paul affirmed this, to which Lawler replied that he was not.
Lawler reported that after his clarification, Paul responded, “Oh, I’m sorry to accuse you of that,” further highlighting the contentious nature of the exchange.
Lawler said he told Paul he was not Jewish and that Paul responded, “Oh, I’m sorry to accuse you of that.”
The congressman said Paul then went on a “10-minute diatribe about Israel, about Jews, about [Jewish GOP megadonor] Paul Singer and accusing Jews of being responsible for so many things, playing right into the typical antisemitic tropes that so many people rely on.” Paul also said he “hates Jews, hates gays and doesn’t care if they die,” according to Lawler.
Lawler said the interaction ended shortly afterward and Paul gave him the middle finger before tripping on his way out of the door.
Lawler said he had not spoken to the GOP senator and had never met his son before.
When asked about the story later Wednesday, the senator told reporters, “I don’t have anything for you on that.” He did not respond when asked if he would reach out to Lawler.
In a post on X, William Paul apologized to the congressman.
“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,” he said.
