Ohio Man Arrested for Road Rage Incident Involving Anti-Semitic Slurs

A man in Ohio has been taken into custody after an incident where he allegedly tried to force a Republican congressman off the road while shouting anti-Jewish insults and flying a Palestinian flag.

Congressman Max Miller, 36, shared a video on social media describing the events, stating that an “unhinged” individual blared his horn and tried to run him off the highway because he was displaying a Palestinian flag. Miller reported that the motorist also directed racist and antisemitic slurs at him and his family.

Feras S. Hamdan, also 36, was arrested and charged with aggravated menacing after police launched an investigation. According to reports, Hamdan voluntarily surrendered at the Rocky River Police Department while consulting with legal counsel and is now awaiting a court appearance.

Details of the Incident

According to the police report, Miller was driving on Interstate 90 around 9:30 a.m. when Hamdan threatened his life and used racist language. Miller accused Hamdan of calling him a “dirty Jew.”

Hamdan was identified as a resident of Westlake, Ohio. He later turned himself in to authorities and faces charges related to the threats and slurs made during the road rage episode.

The police report notes that although the First Amendment generally shields individuals from prosecution for offensive language, threats made during criminal conduct can lead to hate crime charges with enhanced penalties. It remains unclear whether Hamdan will face additional charges beyond his current arrest.

Max Miller, who has a Jewish background, is a representative for a district south of Cleveland and is one of four Jewish Republicans in the House. He previously worked in the Trump administration, serving in an auxiliary role during the president’s first term.