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In a recent speech that has sparked widespread controversy, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) made comments celebrating the killing of “all the right people” while discussing his support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The remarks came during Graham’s address at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Summit on October 31, 2025, where he expressed satisfaction with the Republican Party’s direction and the state of the nation.
“I feel good about the Republican Party. I feel good about where we’re going as a nation,” Graham told the audience. “We’re killing all the right people, and we’re cutting your taxes.” His statement was met with laughter and applause from attendees.
The controversial comment has since spread widely across social media platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Facebook, with many users sharing video clips of the moment.
Throughout his speech, Graham repeatedly emphasized his support for Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, the militant group that carried out an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. “What to do about Hamas? Kill them off,” Graham said to applause. “Let’s finish Hamas off, one way or the other.”
The senator’s remarks come against the backdrop of a devastating two-year conflict that has claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives according to humanitarian organizations. The United Nations Commission has characterized Israel’s offensive as a genocide, with an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population displaced from their homes.
Particularly troubling to human rights advocates is the toll on children. According to a September report from Save the Children, over 20,000 children have been killed during the conflict—a figure that represents approximately one child killed every hour since the war began.
When contacted by reporters, Graham’s office did not immediately respond to requests for clarification on whether his reference to “killing all the right people” included Gaza’s civilian population and children.
The senator framed his support for Israel in terms of shared values and common enemies. “We have no better friend than the state of Israel. Everybody who wants to destroy the Jewish state wants to kill us too,” Graham stated. “All the terrorists you’re killing, Ron, is one less terrorist that can get here,” he added, addressing Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer who was present at the event.
In a bizarre analogy, Graham compared Hamas to tigers that can never be tamed, referencing the famous Siegfried and Roy incident where performer Roy Horn was mauled by a tiger during a show. “Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state. They’re dedicated to killing everybody who disagrees with them religiously in their own faith. And they’re never gonna change,” Graham said.
The senator also praised former President Donald Trump’s Middle East policies, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “He’s my favorite president,” Graham said of Trump, before criticizing the current administration’s military support for Israel. “We ran out of bombs. We didn’t run out of bombs in World War II.”
Graham concluded his remarks by emphasizing what he described as Republican Party values, stating, “We understand that Israel is a friend of America to the bitter end. We understand that God blesses those who bless Israel.”
The senator’s comments have reignited debate about U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where international aid organizations continue to report catastrophic conditions for the civilian population caught in the ongoing conflict.
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8 Comments
This is a very disturbing and reckless statement from Senator Graham. Promoting the killing of people, even in the context of a geopolitical conflict, is unacceptable for an elected official. I hope he will retract these comments and focus on constructive, diplomatic solutions moving forward.
This seems like a reckless and divisive statement from the senator. While the Israel-Hamas conflict is complex, promoting the killing of people is not an acceptable or productive approach. I hope Graham will walk back these remarks and focus on constructive solutions.
You’re right, this type of rhetoric is highly concerning, especially coming from an elected official. We need our leaders to take a more thoughtful, nuanced approach to these delicate international issues.
While I understand the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Senator Graham’s comments about “killing all the right people” are extremely troubling. As an elected official, he should be focused on seeking peaceful resolutions, not glorifying violence. This is a deeply concerning statement.
I agree, his remarks are highly inappropriate and concerning. Leaders should be working to de-escalate conflicts, not make light of killing people. This type of rhetoric is divisive and unbecoming of an elected representative.
Celebrating the killing of people is unacceptable, no matter the context. Even in difficult geopolitical situations, our leaders should be promoting dialogue, diplomacy and the protection of human life. I hope Senator Graham will reconsider his stance on this matter.
This is a concerning remark from Senator Graham. While supporting Israel’s security is important, celebrating the killing of people is highly inappropriate and concerning for a US lawmaker. We should seek diplomatic solutions to conflicts whenever possible.
I agree, the senator’s words were very troubling. Promoting violence is never the answer, even in sensitive geopolitical situations. Leaders should focus on de-escalation and protecting human life.