Full Breakdown
Rand Paul’s Son Confronts GOP Congressman with Antisemitic Rant in D.C. Bar
5/14/2026, 1:51:04 AM
The Confrontation at a Capitol Hill Bar
On Tuesday evening in a Washington, D.C. bar, William Paul, the son of Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), interrupted a conversation between NOTUS reporter Reese Gorman and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY). Paul accused Lawler of losing Rep. Thomas Massie’s upcoming Kentucky GOP primary “because of your people.” When Lawler asked, “My people?” Paul replied, “Yeah, you Jews,” then added, “I’m not.” Lawler rebuked the remarks as antisemitic, defended his support for Israel, and told Paul there was “no point arguing anymore.” Paul responded by pointing his middle finger, apologized for the gesture, and left, tripping over a knocked-over barstool on his way out.
Background: Kentucky Primary and Super-PAC Funding
Paul’s outburst centered on the Kentucky primary in which Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) faces a Trump-backed challenger. The Restore Freedom PAC, a pro-Massie super-PAC, has run an ad titled “LGBTQ Mafia” featuring megadonor Paul Singer—a Jewish Republican—against a rainbow Star of David. Paul accused Singer of serving “Israeli interests, not American interests.”
Key Figures
- William Paul – Son of Sen. Rand Paul, previously charged (2013) with assaulting a flight attendant (charges dropped) and convicted of a 2015 DUI.
- Sen. Rand Paul – Kentucky Republican senator; his office declined comment.
- Rep. Mike Lawler – New York Republican, vocal supporter of Israel; declined an official comment on the incident.
- Rep. Thomas Massie – Kentucky Republican whose primary race prompted the confrontation.
- Paul Singer – Jewish Republican megadonor funding the anti-Massie super-PAC.
- Restore Freedom PAC – Pro-Massie political action committee.
Timeline of the Incident and Prior Legal Issues
- Tuesday night – Paul confronts Lawler, delivers antisemitic remarks, and flips off Lawler.
- Immediately after – Paul apologizes for the gesture, pays his tab, and exits, tripping over a barstool.
- 2013 – Paul charged with assaulting a flight attendant; charges later dismissed.
- 2015 – Paul pleads guilty to driving under the influence after a car crash.
Official Statements & Responses
Lawler labeled Paul’s conduct antisemitic, defended his pro-Israel stance, and ended the exchange by stating there was “no point arguing anymore.” Both Lawler and Sen. Rand Paul declined to provide formal comments after the incident. William Paul also declined interview requests.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawler’s immediate rebuke highlighted internal GOP tension over antisemitic rhetoric. Observers noted that the episode underscores concerns about extremist language influencing primary contests and fundraising dynamics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My people?” — Mike Lawler, Rep.
- “Yeah, you Jews,” — William Paul
- “Oh wow, I’m so sorry for calling you a Jew,” — William Paul
- “Well, you just seem to hate Jews, so there’s no point arguing anymore.” — Mike Lawler
- “Don’t put words in my mouth, Mike Lawler, I never said that.” — William Paul
- “I’m sorry, yeah, I did. I’m just really drunk. I’m going to leave,” — William Paul
Why It Matters
The incident spotlights antisemitic discourse within a congressional setting and raises questions about the influence of donor-driven super-PACs on intra-party contests. It may affect voter perceptions ahead of the Kentucky primary and intensify scrutiny of GOP fundraising practices tied to foreign-policy positions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All accounts derive from a single NOTUS reporter; no independent verification or statements from Sen. Rand Paul, William Paul, or Rep. Massie are available, leaving gaps in the official record.
What’s Next
The Kentucky GOP primary, scheduled for next week, will proceed with Massie facing a Trump-endorsed challenger. Lawler’s office may face additional inquiries, and the episode could prompt broader GOP discussions on rhetoric and donor influence.
