A former staffer for Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee claims he was fired from a government post last week for publicly describing Israel’s war against the terrorist group Hamas as “genocide.”
“On Friday, I was fired by Governor McKee because of my public position on the atrocities taking place in Gaza,” Miguel Sanchez, who serves as an associate in McKee’s Office of Constituent Services, posted on X Monday.
Sanchez, also a member of the Providence City Council, added: “Since October 7, I have used my voice as an elected official to condemn all violence against any innocent civilian.”
Councilor and former Mckee staffer made incendiary “massacre” statement in Oct. 17. social media posts.
Undeterred by his apparent firing, Sanchez on Monday denounced Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip as “massacre” and again referred to it as “massacre.”
“As Israel continues to escalate its carnage in Gaza, the need to speak out for innocent Palestinian civilians has never been more urgent—regardless of the personal consequences,” he said.
“I join the 80% of Democrats who support a ceasefire and the growing number of elected officials who speak out in support of de-escalation. Governor McKee may have taken my job, but he will not force me to remain silent while the carnage unfolds [sic] before our eyes.”
Miguel Sanchez claims he was fired from the Rhode Island governor’s office because of his position on the war in Israel. Providence City Council
On Friday, I was fired by Governor McKee for my public position on the atrocities in Gaza. Since October 7, I have used my voice as an elected official to condemn all violence against any innocent civilian.
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— Miguel Sanchez (@MSanchezPVD) October 30, 2023
Last week, local news outlet WJAR reported that Sanchez had come under fire for his public comments on the ongoing war in the Middle East.
He also posted a video of himself marching through rainy weather in Providence with protesters demanding a ceasefire on Oct. 22.
At one point, he introduce a resolution to condemn ethnic cleansing and violence.
prov did not disappoint.
yesterday, I marched with thousands of people calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the occupation.
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— Miguel Sanchez (@MSanchezPVD) October 22, 2023
Sanchez’s salary is listed at $50,000 in state records. On the Providence City Council he represented Ward 6 as a first-term councilman.
McKee’s office confirmed that the governor split with Sanchez last Friday.
“The Governor’s position on Israel is clear. The governor has indirectly condemned the heinous acts of war and violence committed by Hamas against the people of Israel. The governor also agreed with the President that both Israel and Palestine have the right to live in safety and peace,” McKee’s office said in a statement, according to ABC 6.
“The governor strongly believes that words matter – and words can have the potential to fuel the flames of hatred and division,” the statement continued. “At the direction of the Governor, a member of our senior staff has spoken to the individual and the situation is being reviewed. At this time, we will not comment further on it.”
The Post reached out to the governor’s office and Sanchez for comment.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is accused of firing a staffer for his inflammatory remarks about the war in Israel.AP
McKee became governor of the deep blue Ocean State in March 2021 during the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic after then-Gov. Gina Raimondo (D-RI) stepped down to serve as President Biden’s Secretary of Commerce.
Generally considered a moderate Democrat, McKee fended off a spirited primary contest last year and held the governorship.
The governor’s office confirmed that Miguel Sanchez no longer works in the administration.AP
A handful of Rhode Island Democrats condemned Sanchez’s firing.
“I applaud my City Councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against attacks on civilians in the war in Gaza. It is very disappointing that Governor McKee would fire him,” said State Senator Sam Bell.
“Like Councilor Sánchez, McKee represents many Jews and Muslims with whom we have deep personal ties.”
I commend my City Councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against attacks on civilians in the war in Gaza. Very disappointing that Governor McKee would fire him. Like Councilor Sánchez, McKee represents many Jews and Muslims with whom he has deep personal ties. https://t.co/p63NijMNHu
— Sam Bell (@SamuelWBell) October 30, 2023
“I stand in solidarity with Councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against the escalating massacre in Gaza. Miguel is not alone in supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. We will continue to fight alongside him and others calling for a #ceaseNOW,” said Senator Tiara Mack.
Since Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, at least 33 Americans and 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the massacre.
Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health estimates more than 8,000 Palestinians have been killed, although international observers doubt the figure.
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