Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) son, William Paul, said Wednesday he is seeking treatment after unleashing a drunken antisemitic tirade at Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), who is not Jewish.
“Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem,” William Paul posted on X.
The scene unfolded on Tuesday evening at a Washington, D.C. bar, where Lawler was speaking with News Of The U.S. (NOTUS) reporter Reese Gorman.
The younger Paul interrupted to inform Lawler that if Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) loses his upcoming primary, it will be because of “your people.”
“My people?” Lawler asked.
“Yeah, you Jews,” was Paul’s response.
Lawler was taken aback: “Do you think I’m Jewish? I’m not.”
Paul apologized for the assumption, but continued making antisemitic remarks, claiming Jewish people were “anti-American” and accusing Lawler’s supposed Jewish supporters of prioritizing Israel over the United States.
The New York congressman recounted the conversation for The New York Post, explaining that Paul had already appeared to be pretty “drunk” and was behaving in a “belligerent” manner when he first approached — and had immediately launched his tirade.
“So Rand Paul’s f*cking son is sitting next to us at the bar … And he just like chimes in on our conversation, f*cking drunk and belligerent, and then starts going off about, you know, if [Rep. Thomas] Massie [R-KY] loses [his primary], it’s because of my people,” Lawler said, adding, “I’m like, ‘What people?’ He goes, ‘Jews,’ and I’m like, ‘Do you think I’m Jewish? … I’m Irish-Italian Catholic, buddy.’”
Lawler said that Paul claimed the United States was trying to steal land from Iran in order to give it to Jewish people, at which point he said he asked the younger Paul what he was talking about.
“This war, it’s all about the gays and the Jews, and I hate them both, and I don’t care if they die,” Paul reportedly told Lawler before advising him to watch more Tucker Carlson.
Lawler said he attempted to end the conversation, saying, “Well, you just seem to hate Jews, so there’s no point arguing anymore.”
Paul then accused Lawler of putting words in his mouth and gave him the middle finger before admitting that he was “really drunk” and making a quick exit.
Paul has had previous legal troubles stemming from a 2013 assault charge that was dropped and a 2015 DUI, to which he pleaded guilty.
When asked about the situation, Sen. Paul told NBC News reporter Frank Thorp, “I don’t have anything for you on it.”