US Senator Accuses Muslim Advocate of Supporting Extremism During Hate Hearing

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON – During a Senate hearing focused on hate incidents in the U.S., Republican Senator John Kennedy faced backlash after accusing a prominent Muslim civil rights advocate of supporting extremism.

Kennedy challenged Maya Berry, the Executive Director of the Arab American Institute, by asking, “You support Hamas, do you not?” Berry responded, highlighting that his question underscores the ongoing issue of hate in the country.

The senator continued with his inquiries, asking if she supported Hezbollah, another group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. He then made a derogatory remark, suggesting she should “hide your head in a bag.”

Berry refuted the senator’s assertions, expressing disappointment in the line of questioning.

The hearing attracted criticism from multiple rights organizations. Robert McCaw, the Government Affairs Director for the Council on American Islamic Relations, condemned Kennedy’s remarks as reprehensible, asserting that using someone’s racial identity to allege terrorism is a form of bigotry.

Muslim American advocacy group Engage Action described the senator’s behavior as alarming. The Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee, which hosted the hearing, also condemned Kennedy’s comments, calling Berry’s response impactful.

Rights advocates have raised concerns about escalating threats faced by American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews since the outbreak of violence in the Israel-Gaza conflict following the October 7 attack by Hamas. Recent incidents have included violent assaults and threats targeting individuals within these communities, underscoring the pressing nature of hate crimes amid rising tensions.