Who Is Feras Hamdan? Man Who Allegedly Drove Congressman Off Road Arrested
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Feras Hamdan, a 32-year-old Ohio man, turned himself in with counsel on Friday and was arrested and charged after allegedly forcing Republican Representative Max Miller off the road in a road rage incident.
According to Rocky River, Ohio, police, the incident occurred on June 15 when Hamdan allegedly tailgated Miller's vehicle, swerved erratically, and ultimately veered into his lane, causing the congressman to drive off the road to avoid a collision. Police said Miller's wife and 2-year-old son were also in the car at the time of the incident in the suburb of Cleveland.
Representative Max Miller (R-OH) speaks during a vigil with bi-partisan members of the House of Representatives commemorating 100 days since the Hamas attacks on Israel, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, January...
Representative Max Miller (R-OH) speaks during a vigil with bi-partisan members of the House of Representatives commemorating 100 days since the Hamas attacks on Israel, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. More
Associated Press
The police report says that Hamdan allegedly honked his horn, shouted threats, and made aggressive gestures toward Miller while pursuing his vehicle. Witnesses said that Hamdan repeatedly attempted to block Miller's car from changing lanes before forcing it off the road.
"Congressman Miller reported he was driving on Interstate 90 when the suspect threatened him and his family along with making antisemitic slurs," according to a press release from police. "The suspect's vehicle left the area prior to the arrival of responding officers. Congressman Miller was later interviewed by personnel from the Rocky River Police."
First reported by WKYC TV, Hamdan was arrested without incident after police identified him as the driver of the other vehicle involved. He has been charged with aggravated menacing, a first-degree misdemeanor, and appeared in court on June 17. While authorities have not disclosed Hamdan's motive in detail, law enforcement indicated that his actions appeared intentional and targeted, prompting further legal scrutiny and public concern.
Newsweek has reached out to Rocky River Police Department via email on Friday afternoon for comment.
The incident quickly drew national attention, especially after House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned it as "an outrageous act of political violence" against a sitting member of Congress. Johnson described the act as part of a troubling trend of politically motivated aggression and called for the Department of Justice to investigate whether the attack violated federal civil rights laws. Miller, who represents Ohio's 7th District, is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has aligned himself with conservative positions in Congress.
The case has sparked renewed debate over political tensions and public safety. The investigation remains ongoing, and federal charges could be considered depending on additional evidence.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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