Illinois Democrat says posters of hostages in Gaza were vandalized outside Capitol Hill office

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) said Friday posters outside his Capitol Hill office that featured pictures of hostages being held in Gaza were vandalized in what he called a “vile act of hate.”

“My Capitol office was vandalized yesterday in a vile act of hate in which the posters of the more than 100 people still held hostage in Gaza (including 8 Americans) were ripped from the wall, shredded and tossed across the hallway,” Schneider said in a statement.

He posted a photo to social platform X displaying the torn-down posters.

The Illinois Democrat’s office said the incident was reported to U.S. Capitol Police.

Capitol Police told The Hill that it is “aware and investigating” the incident. 

“To protect the investigation, we cannot provide any more information at this time,” Capitol Police said. 

Schneider, a leading pro-Israel Democrat and co-chair of the bipartisan congressional Israel Allies Caucus, also criticized other rhetoric and protests.

“This was a shameful act on any day, but especially on July 4, our country’s Independence Day,” Schnider said. “Sadly, it was but one of many hateful, un-American actions that took place across the country on the day we celebrate freedom and democracy. I’ve been disgusted by the videos and reports of individuals calling July 4th a ‘terrorist holiday’ and burning American flags.”

He went on to mention pro-Palistinian protesters who last weekend gathered outside his office in the wee hours of the morning.

“The same groups that were at my house earlier in the week marched through Chicago on July 4th, not calling for peace, but rather condemning the United States of America,” Schneider said. “These actions don’t advance peace. Instead, they play directly into the hands of Hamas terrorists enabling them to continue to hold hostage not only those they kidnapped from Israel, but all civilians in Gaza as well.”

Updated at 1:20 p.m. EDT