An upstate pastor hosting a livestreamed Bible study by state legislators scathingly asserted that God “cannot remain indifferent” to the issue. Approximately 2,800 New Yorkers Killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. And because the victim did not repent, he claimed to be responsible for his own death.
Michael Caesar's vicious remarks from Grace and Truth Church in suburban Buffalo were broadcast on Paul's Facebook page by state Rep. David DiPietro (R-East Aurora). DiPietro often hosts Bible studies.
“God didn't care that the Twin Towers were attacked,” Cesar said in the Sept. 16 video, shot just five days after the 23rd anniversary of the massacre.
“What was God thinking on September 11th? He knew what was going to happen. Do you know what he was thinking? All those people should have been saved. ” said Cesar, using “saved” to refer to born-again Christians.
In the 76-minute video, this fervent convert says that those killed in the terrorist attack had plenty of time to “be saved” but were responsible for their deaths because they chose not to. he claimed.
“Gentlemen, this is serious. If you sin, you will surely die,” Cesar said.
DiPietro and his wife are members of Cesar's church. Over the years, he has shared dozens of vile videos of the pastor, originally published by Buffalo News reported.
On September 17, DiPietro shared the video again, calling it “Great teaching!!!!” If you want to know where you're going…heaven or hell… What really happens! ! ! ”
Families of 9/11 victims were stunned.
Terry Strada, whose husband Tom, 41, was killed in the North Tower, said: “He never knew what someone's faith was, what their religion was, how they practiced their religion.'' I don't know what he chose to do,” he told the Post.
“Publishing such abhorrent ideas is a slap in the face to the entire families of the victims who are still dealing with loss, pain and suffering.”
Retired New York City Fire Department Lt. James McCaffrey, whose brother-in-law, Olio Palmer, a firefighter, died in the South Tower, Cesar mocked the first responders who gave their lives trying to rescue those trapped in the tower. and slammed DiPietro for supporting such hatred. .
“They knew they were going to die and they did it anyway. It's a selfless sacrifice and this man despises it,” McCaffrey raged.
“The congressman and others who agree with him should be ashamed.” [Cesar] I’m spitting it out,” he said.
Cesar, a former anesthesiologist, was accused of medical negligence but reportedly did not contest the allegations as part of a 2008 consent decree. state records. In 2010, he agreed not to revoke his registration or reapply for a state medical license. record show.
According to the Buffalo News, Cesar has bashed other religions in numerous videos shared by DiPietro, including mocking Muslims and Hindus with racist metaphors and slurs.
In an April 22 video that DiPietro also shared, the pastor mocks Catholics and explains that the Bible doesn't tell people to “eat wafers” or “get in a phone booth with a pervert.” did.
“I hate the Roman Catholic Church,” he said. “For we who love the Lord hate evil, and that is the mother of prostitutes.”
DiPietro, who has served in the state Legislature since 2013 and will face Democratic candidate Darcy Cramer in the November election, has given at least $2,285 in campaign contributions to Grace & Co. since January 2020, according to state records.・It is directed towards the Truth Church.
The congressman tried to distance himself from Cesar on Saturday night, claiming: he didn't agree with it The pastor's “controversial remarks”.
Mr. DiPietro spoke not only of his Catholic faith, but also of his work in Congress to honor the victims of September 11th and support those affected by the devastating attacks.
“To be clear, I do not agree with Mr. Cesar's rhetoric on these issues,” he said.
Mr. Strada, national president of the organization 9/11 Families United, said Mr. DiPietro's constituents were worried that their representative would be “too callous and heartless to post such abhorrent ideas on his Facebook page.” He said people should think carefully about “supporting someone who can't do anything.”
“There should be great concern about this man's judgment,” she said.
Cesar did not return calls seeking comment.
dipietro claimed that In a statement on his Facebook page on Friday, he said he had “always championed the values of respect, understanding and coexistence among people of all faiths.”
Mr. Strada, who chairs 9/11 Families United, said Mr. DiPietro's constituents should be aware that their representative is “an individual who may be so callous and heartless that he posted such abhorrent ideas on his Facebook page.” He said people should think carefully about “supporting the government.”
“There should be great concern about this man's judgment,” she said.
Cesar did not return calls seeking comment.
