Cleveland, OH — An Ohio doctor, Feras Hamdan, 36, of Avon, has been arrested and charged with aggravated menacing and ethnic intimidation after allegedly running Congressman Max Miller off the road while shouting antisemitic threats.
The incident occurred Thursday morning on Interstate 90, according to authorities. Miller, a Republican congressman and staunch supporter of Israel, told police that Hamdan honked, waved a Palestinian flag, and shouted “death to Israel” before forcing him off the road. He also claimed Hamdan threatened to kill him and his family, including his young daughter.
Hamdan turned himself in later that day and was arraigned in Rocky River Municipal Court on Friday. He pleaded not guilty and was issued a $500,000 cash-assured bond. The court also ordered him to surrender his passport and avoid contact with Miller and his family. He is scheduled to appear in court again next month.
Alleged Threats Detailed in 911 Call
In a 911 call obtained by CNN, Miller described the suspect’s vehicle and recalled Hamdan shouting:
“I’m going to cut your throat and your daughter’s. You’re a dirty Jew. I’m going to f***ing kill you all.”
Miller added:
“I’m glad I didn’t use [my weapon], but what is going to happen? This guy said he is going to kill me and my daughter.”
Political Response
The incident has sparked strong reactions from both sides of Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called it “another outrageous example” of political hatred leading to violence.
Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries and Katherine Clark, issued a joint statement condemning the threats and calling for immediate action to protect elected officials.
This case arrives amid heightened fears for lawmakers’ safety, following the recent killing of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.
As investigations continue, the court will determine whether the incident qualifies as a hate crime under Ohio law.
