Incident Involving William Paul and Rep. Mike Lawler
William Paul, son of Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, allegedly directed anti-Semitic remarks at Representative Mike Lawler from New York during an encounter at a bar near the Capitol on Tuesday night.
According to NOTUS reporter Reese Gorman, he witnessed William Paul’s confrontation with Lawler at a restaurant/bar.
Gorman described how Paul, identifying himself as the son of a Republican senator, approached Lawler to discuss the upcoming Republican primary for U.S. Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky. While sitting a few seats away, Paul interrupted their conversation, stating that if Massie lost, it would be due to “your people.”
The tension escalated when Paul mistakenly asserted that Lawler, who is Catholic and of Irish and Italian heritage, was actually Jewish.
“What about my people?” Lawler asked Paul.
To this, Paul responded, “Yes, Jews.”
Lawler questioned, “Do you think I’m Jewish? I’m not.”
Paul replied, “Oh, I’m really sorry for calling you a Jew.”
Gorman reported that Paul continued, accusing Jews of being “anti-American” and claiming that Lawler and his “Jewish supporters” only catered to Israel.
Lawler reportedly defended his position, countering Paul’s allegations and pointing out the anti-Semitic nature of his comments. Paul then mentioned Republican donor Paul Singer, suggesting he focuses on serving Israel’s interests rather than those of America.
Lawler responded, “Well, you seem to hate Jews, so there’s no point in discussing it any further.”
Paul retorted, “Don’t put words in my mouth, Mike Lawler, I never said that,” while pointing aggressively at Lawler.
Previously, William Paul faced legal issues, including an assault charge against a flight attendant in 2013, which was later dropped, and a guilty plea for drunk driving in 2015 following a car crash. He acknowledged his drinking problem in a statement, expressing regret for his actions, claiming that he had consumed too much alcohol the previous night.
He stated, “I drank too much and said something that didn’t express my true self. I’m sorry. Today I’m seeking help for my drinking problem.”
