Rhode Island governor fires staffer who called Israel’s war against Hamas a ‘genocide’
A former staffer for Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee claims he was fired from the state job last week for publicly describing Israel’s war against terrorist group Hamas as a “genocide.”
“On Friday, I was fired by Governor McKee for my public position on the atrocities occurring in Gaza,” Miguel Sanchez, who served as an associate in McKee’s Constituent Services Office, posted on X Monday.
Sanchez, also a Providence City Council member, added: “Since Oct. 7, I have used my voice as an elected official to condemn all violence against any innocent civilians.”
The council member and ex-Mckee staffer made the incendiary “genocide” remark in an Oct. 17 social media post.
Unfazed by his apparent firing, Sanchez on Monday decried Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip as a “massacre” and again called it a “genocide.”
“As Israel continues to escalate its massacre in Gaza, the need to speak out for innocent Palestinian civilians has never been more urgent—regardless of personal consequences,” he went on.
“I join the 80% of Democrats who support a ceasefire and the increasing number of elected officials who are speaking out in favor of de-escalation. Gov. McKee may have taken away my job, but he won’t pressure me into silence while a genocide is occuring [sic] in front of our eyes.”
Last week, local news outlet WJAR reported that Sanchez was under fire for his public commentary on the war raging in the Middle East.
He also posted a video of himself marching through rainy weather in Providence alongside protesters demanding a ceasefire on Oct. 22.
At one point, he introduced a resolution to condemn ethnic cleansing and terrorism.
Sanchez’s salary was listed at $50,000 in state records. In the Providence City Council he represents Ward 6 as a first-term councilman.
McKee’s office confirmed that the governor parted ways with Sanchez last Friday.
“The Governor’s position on Israel is clear. The Governor has unequivocally condemned the despicable acts of war and terror perpetrated by Hamas against the people of Israel. The Governor also agrees with the President that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in safety and peace,” McKee’s office said in a statement, per ABC 6.
“The Governor strongly believes that words matter – and words can have the potential to fan the flames of hate and division,” statement continued. “At the direction of the Governor, a member of our senior staff has spoken with the individual and the situation is under review. At this time, we will not be commenting on it further.”
The Post contacted the governor’s office for comment.
McKee became governor of the deep blue Ocean State in March 2021 during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic after then-Gov. Gina Raimondo (D-RI) stepped aside to serve as President Biden’s Secretary of Commerce.
Generally regarded as a somewhat moderate Democrat, McKee fended off a spirited primary contest last year and held onto the governor’s office.
A handful of Rhode Island Democrats condemned Sanchez’s termination.
“I commend my City Councilman @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against attacks on civilians in the war in Gaza. It’s deeply disappointing that Governor McKee would fire him,” State Sen. Sam Bell said.
“Just like Councilman Sánchez, McKee represents many Jews and Muslims with deeply personal ties.”
“I stand in solidarity with Councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against the escalating genocide in Gaza. Miguel is not alone in his support for a ceasefire in Gaza. We will continue to fight alongside him and others calling for a #ceasefireNOW,” state Sen. Tiara Mack said.
Since Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 surprise attack, at least 33 Americans and 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the carnage.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza Healthy Ministry estimates that over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed, though international observers have been skeptical of that figure.
