Staff Reports
In a recent incident at a pro-Palestinian rally, Colorado State legislator Tim Hernandez faced criticism for not condemning Hamas' actions against Israeli women and children. As a member of the Democratic Party, Hernandez's actions have sparked outrage among conservative Republicans and some members of the Jewish community.
During the rally at the Colorado State Capitol, Hernandez joined a group waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like "no peace on stolen land." This gathering occurred just hours after a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israeli and other civilians.
The controversy unfolded when a citizen journalist, identified as Russell, confronted Hernandez on camera and asked if he condemned "the murder of women and children in the streets by Palestinian terrorists." In response, Hernandez stated that he condemned any form of colonial violence.
Russell, clearly appalled by Hernandez's answer, called the legislator out for not denouncing the killing of innocent civilians. Hernandez responded with indifference, asking Russell dismissively, "What about it?"
The fallout from this incident has put pressure on Colorado Democrats to remove Hernandez from his position. Although he was not elected but rather selected by a party vacancy committee to represent the northwest Denver district, the Colorado Republican Party has called for his immediate resignation. Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley has also taken a stance against Hernandez on social media.
Democrats pressed to unseat legislator who refused to condemn Hamas at rallyhttps://t.co/7XOza9GDIv pic.twitter.com/gmYmg0739x
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 13, 2023
In a tweet directed at Hernandez, Stokley expressed his support for the Jewish community and Israel, stating, "No backtracking now buddy. I've seen all I need to see, and so will everyone else." The retired NFL player's comments add weight to the calls for Hernandez's removal.
In an attempt to clarify his position, Hernandez issued a statement stating that he does not support attacking innocent people and that his intention was to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, not Hamas. He denies speaking or attending the rally in support of Hamas or the attacks on Israel.
However, critics argue that Hernandez's participation in the rally inherently aligns him with a movement that supports violence and aggression against Israel. The Denver Gazette editorial board has called for Hernandez's resignation or removal, accusing him of disregarding rape victims, decapitated babies, and Holocaust survivors.
So far, no Democratic legislator has publicly called for Hernandez to step down, although several have denounced his comments. State Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, an Israel-born Jew, expressed her strong disagreement with Hernandez's decision to attend the rally and posted on social media that his rhetoric supporting the terrorist actions is reprehensible and dangerous.
Democratic House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran have also expressed deep disappointment in Hernandez's failure to specifically condemn the violent Hamas attacks on innocent Israelis.
The left-leaning Denver Post editorial board has criticized Hernandez, acknowledging his refusal to condemn Hamas' terrorism. However, unlike the Denver Gazette, they have not called for his resignation.
As this controversy unfolds, it remains uncertain whether the pressure on Colorado Democrats will be enough to prompt action against Hernandez. With Democrats holding control over both houses of the state legislature and all state constitutional offices, their response to this situation will test the strength of their party unity.
