Anti-Semitic Threat Received by Rep. Max Miller

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), one of four Jewish members in Congress, released an audio clip of a threatening phone message he received. The caller issued a graphic anti-Semitic threat, saying that someone should sever “your head.” Miller noted that this message underscores the growing threats experienced by Jewish lawmakers in the U.S.

In the voicemail, the caller directed an anti-Semitic outburst at Miller, calling him a Jew who “thinks they own the world,” and went on to express a wish for violence against him.

Miller shared this voicemail on social media, mentioning that this incident reflects the kind of threats he frequently encounters and sheds light on why many local council members hesitate to hold public meetings. He wrote, “As a Jewish member of Congress, every day is a day I receive this type of threat.” He also addressed concerns about the reluctance of others to engage in public forums, suggesting they are cautious about planned events.

The clip quickly drew widespread condemnation from fellow Republicans. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) expressed his disgust and anger, emphasizing the need for society to combat anti-Semitism, affirming, “We’re with you, Max.”

House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) referred to the threat as “absolutely terrifying” and urged law enforcement to take action.

Ohio colleague Rep. Mike Carey highlighted the troubling rise of anti-Semitism impacting Jewish communities nationwide and registered his support for Miller and “our Jewish neighbors.” Additionally, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) remarked that such incidents showcase the necessity for “zero tolerance for anti-Semites,” expressing a desire for their absence from both the party and the country.

This threatening message gained attention on the same day as a violent incident at a synagogue in suburban Detroit. A suspect reportedly crashed a vehicle into Temple Israel and opened fire at a security guard, who returned fire and fatally shot the suspect. Federal authorities characterized this as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.”

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder noted that such attacks signal a broader trend in anti-Semitic violence, labeling them as acts of terror aimed at Western and Judeo-Christian values. Meanwhile, the Zionist Organization of America condemned the threat against Miller, with National President Morten Klein stating that these incidents cannot be downplayed and urged U.S. leaders to outright condemn such actions.

This recent threat is not the first instance of Miller being targeted. Last year, a man allegedly threatened him in a Cleveland suburb while carrying a Palestinian flag, making violent remarks that included threats toward Miller’s young daughter. Miller has reported these threats to the U.S. Capitol Police.