William Paul, the son of Senator Rand Paul, drunkenly accosted Republican Congressman Mike Lawler at the Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC on May 12. During the confrontation, William Paul made antisemitic and anti-gay remarks, saying he hates Jews and gays and doesn’t care if they die [1, 2].
William Paul blamed Jewish supporters, including billionaire GOP donor Paul Singer, for opposing Thomas Massie in the Kentucky primary election. Singer’s estimated net worth is $6.7 billion [1, 2]. Congressman Lawler told William Paul he is not Jewish but a Catholic of Irish and Italian descent [2]. Lawler called the incident "fucking disgusting" [1].
The next day, May 13, William Paul posted a public apology on social media. He said, "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." [1]
Rand Paul is backing Thomas Massie in the Kentucky primary, where Massie is running against Trump-backed Ed Gallrein [1, 2]. Representative Jared Moskowitz commented on the episode, noting the unusual nature of family members yelling ethnic slurs, saying, "If you are wondering how things are going up on Capital Hill. We have elected family members screaming ‘you are a Jew’ at catholics" [2].
William Paul has stated he is actively seeking help for his drinking problem following the incident [1, 2].
