William Paul, son of Republican Senator Rand Paul, posted a public apology Wednesday after being confronted by fellow GOP congressman Mike Lawler over a hostile encounter the night before at a Washington DC bar.
The younger Paul acknowledged drinking heavily and apologized for remarks made during the Tuesday evening incident at Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue. "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," he wrote on social media under the handle TastyBrew1776.
Lawler described the exchange to reporters as a disturbing episode in which Paul launched into what he called a ten-minute tirade. According to the congressman, Paul said he hates Jews and gays, expressed indifference to their deaths, and blamed Israel for US conflicts in the Middle East, claiming the country was "trying to steal Iran's land for the Jews and steal the West Bank."
The incident unfolded as tensions escalated in a Republican primary battle in Kentucky. Thomas Massie, a congressman whom Rand Paul supports, faces a challenge from Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL backed by Donald Trump and billionaire donor Paul Singer, who is both Jewish and supports LGBTQ rights.
Paul reportedly focused his anger on Singer during the bar encounter, telling Lawler: "Paul Singer serves Israeli interests, not American interests." When Lawler pointed out he himself is not Jewish, Paul allegedly apologized for the mistake before continuing the rant. The exchange ended when Paul allegedly told Lawler to "watch more Tucker Carlson" before leaving the bar.
Details of the incident emerged after Reese Gorman, a witness from the digital publication Notus, provided a first-hand account. Lawler's condemnation was blunt. "I think that's fucking disgusting," he told reporters.
William Paul has faced legal issues in the past related to drunken behavior and assault. His LinkedIn profile shows he recently attended a conference in San Diego with the Christian Employers Alliance.
Rand Paul's Senate office did not respond to requests for comment on his son's apology or the incident itself.
Author James Rodriguez: "William Paul's quick pivot to rehab language after getting caught sounds less like genuine reflection and more like crisis management, but the timing and specificity of his statements suggest Lawler's account hit a nerve."
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