Congressman David Valadao’s Office Vandalized By Anti-Israel Protestors

The Hanford office of Congressman David Valadao (R-CA) was vandalized by anti-Israel protestors on Monday morning. The Congressman later denounced those who vandalized his office and vowed to prosecute those responsible.

Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War in early October, both anti-Israel and anti-Palestinian acts of violence and vandalism have been on the rise. In the last week alone, multiple synagogues across the country have been vandalized with anti-Israel and antisemitic graffiti and vandalism, some of which has been investigated by the FBI. In the past month, anti-Israel attacks have resulted in everything from police vehicle destruction to the White House itself having gates being significantly vandalized. On Monday, this wave of vandalism spread to Hanford, a city 10 miles west of Visalia in Central California.

Anti-Israel protestors specifically targeted the office of Congressman Valadao. In the attack, fake blood was splattered on his Hanford office, along with numerous papers saying “Murdered by Israel” on them. The vandalism itself happened early Monday morning and was discovered by staffers going into work. Valadao himself soon reported on the incident on X, even showing pictures of the attack.

“This morning, my Hanford office was vandalized by anti-Israel protestors,” Valadao posted in a series of messages. “I strongly support the right to peaceful protest, but violence and vandalism are never acceptable. In a democracy, harassment and intimidation is not how you make your voice heard.”

“If these protestors truly cared about Palestinian children they would also support the eradication of Hamas terrorists, who are actively using Palestinian hospitals and schools as cover for their military operations and putting thousands of Palestinian civilians at risk.”

This morning, my Hanford office was vandalized by anti-Israel protestors. I strongly support the right to peaceful protest, but violence and vandalism are never acceptable. In a democracy, harassment and intimidation is not how you make your voice heard. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/f2OHRuqeLu

— Rep. David Valadao (@RepDavidValadao) November 27, 2023

In a statement soon after, Valadao said that the office would remain open and even continue to receive visitors by appointment. He also added that he and his office wants to see those responsible face justice and “be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Our office has filed the proper reports with local law enforcement and Capitol Police,” continued Valadao on Monday. “We hope to see those responsible held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

While Hanford Police and Capitol Police are currently investigating the incident, no arrests have yet to be announced as of Monday afternoon. Experts told the Globe on Monday that attacks like the Hanford incident almost always backfire and that cool, measured responses to such incidents almost always win out.

“Valadao’s response killed pretty much any sympathy people had for the attack,” said John Nagy, a private investigator who specializes in vandalism incidents. “He didn’t call for blood or anything like that. Instead he just denounced the attack, said that this wasn’t the way to express the right to protest, and said that that, because they broke the law, he wished that they be prosecuted. A totally normal and level thing to say.

“Despite everything, most Americans also support Israel. Even the lowest voting demographic is still above 50%. Those peaceful protests we have seen recently, including the one in San Francisco, people may not like but generally were tolerant of because it was a peaceful one by and large. When things like what happened in Hanford happen however, that’s when most people lose patience. And that makes Valadao’s reaction today all the more better. He reacted quite rationally.”