Republican Senator Rand Paul's son, William Paul, apologized on Wednesday for a drunken tirade at a bar in Washington DC, in which he reportedly told a Republican congressman that he "hates Jews and hates gays."
Apology and Context
"Last night, 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," William Paul posted on social media under the handle TastyBrew1776. The apology was posted minutes after Congressman Mike Lawler told reporters that the senator's son had drunkenly accosted him on Tuesday night at the Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Lawler recounted that William Paul went on "a 10-minute diatribe about Jews" and said "that he hates Jews and hates gays and doesn't care if they die." Lawler called the behavior "fucking disgusting." Details were first reported by Reese Gorman of Notus.
Political Implications
The incident comes amid a bitter primary campaign between Congressman Thomas Massie and Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by Donald Trump. Massie, a critic of the US-Israel war on Iran, has been supported by an outside group that ran an ad attacking Gallrein, saying he is "bought and paid for by the LGBTQ mafia." The ad targeted Republican billionaire donor Paul Singer, who is Jewish and supports gay rights.
William Paul reportedly told Lawler that "Paul Singer serves Israeli interests, not American interests." After Lawler noted he is not Jewish, Paul allegedly apologized for calling him a Jew, then urged him to watch more Tucker Carlson before flipping off the congressman and tripping over his bar stool.
Background
William Paul has been charged multiple times for drunken assault or driving in the past. His LinkedIn profile shows he recently attended a conference with the Christian Employers Alliance in San Diego. Rand Paul's senate office did not immediately return requests for comment.
