Kennedy statement on first anniversary of Oct. 7

MADISONVILLE, La. - Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre that Hamas carried out against Israeli civilians and American citizens.

"On October 7, 2024, Hamas showed the world what evil looks like. Americans and decent people around the globe can't afford to forget that.

"Hamas terrorists shot babies and cut the heads off innocents, burned people alive, raped women and girls, kidnapped elderly grandparents, and slaughtered hundreds of young people at a music festival. They murdered more than 40 American citizens. The took other Americans hostage.

"They're still holding our fellow citizens captive, including Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Seigel. These victims haven't seen their families in a year, and too many Washington elitists are refusing to acknowledge their pain or fight for their release by helping Israel destroy Hamas decisively.

"Let's not forget that Hamas broke the cease-fire on Oct. 7. Hamas is using civilians as shields. Hamas is hoarding fuel and food at the expense of their fellow Palestinians. Hamas dug up water pipes to turn them into rocket launchers. The people of Gaza and Israel both suffer because of Hamas. Any suggestion that Israel is culpable for this suffering plays into the hands of these terrorists.

"President Biden and Vice President Harris need to demonstrate that America will continue to stand with Israel until Hamas is in ruins and Iran's genocidal agenda becomes impossible. Our world will be safer and more just when Hamas is not in it. America must help Israel ensure that an attack like Oct. 7 never happens again."