A former staffer for Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee says he was fired from his state job last week for publicly describing Israel’s war against the terrorist group Hamas as a “genocide.”
“On Friday, Governor McKee fired me for my public position on the atrocities occurring in Gaza,” X Miguel Sánchez, who served as an associate in McKee’s Office of Constituent Services, posted on Monday.
Sánchez, 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 innocent civilians.”
The council member and former Mckee staffer made the incendiary “genocide” comment in an Oct. 17 statement. social media post.
Undeterred by his apparent dismissal, Sanchez on Monday condemned Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip as a “massacre” and again called it “genocide.”
“As Israel continues to escalate its slaughter in Gaza, the need to speak out for innocent Palestinian civilians has never been more urgent, regardless of the personal consequences,” he continued.
“I join the 80% of Democrats who support a ceasefire and the growing number of elected officials who speak out in favor of reducing tensions. Governor McKee may have taken my job, but he will not pressure me to remain silent while a genocide occurs. [sic] before our eyes.”
Miguel Sánchez claims he was fired from the Rhode Island governor’s office for his position on the war in Israel. Providence City Hall
On Friday I was fired by Governor McKee for my public position on the atrocities occurring in Gaza. Since October 7, I have used my voice as an elected official to condemn all violence against innocent civilians.
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— Miguel Sánchez (@MSanchezPVD) October 30, 2023
Last week, local media outlet WJAR reported that Sánchez was under fire for his public comments about the war ravaging the Middle East.
He also posted a video of himself marching in rainy weather in Providence alongside protesters demanding a ceasefire on October 22.
At one point, he presented a resolution condemn ethnic cleansing and terrorism.
The province did not disappoint.
Yesterday I marched with thousands of people calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the occupation.
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/u9bjI712Wn
— Miguel Sánchez (@MSanchezPVD) October 22, 2023
Sanchez’s salary was listed as $50,000 in state records. On the Providence City Council he represents District 6 as a first-term councilman.
McKee’s office confirmed that the governor separated from Sánchez 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 peace and security,” McKee’s office said in a statement, according to ABC 6.
“The Governor firmly believes that words matter, and words can have the potential to fan the flames of hate and division,” the statement continued. “By order 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 further on this matter.”
The Post reached out to the governor’s office and Sanchez for comment.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee reportedly fired an employee for his inflammatory comments about the war in Israel.AP
McKee became governor of the deep blue ocean state in March 2021 during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic after then-Gov. Gina Raimondo (D-RI) has stepped aside to serve as President Biden’s Secretary of Commerce.
Generally considered a somewhat moderate Democrat, McKee fended off a spirited primary race last year and held on to the governor’s office.
The government confirmed that Miguel Sánchez no longer works in the administration.AP
A handful of Rhode Island Democrats condemned Sanchez’s firing.
“I congratulate my councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against the attacks on civilians in the war in Gaza. “It is deeply disappointing that Governor McKee is firing him,” said State Senator Sam Bell.
“Like Councilman Sanchez, McKee represents many Jews and Muslims with deeply personal ties.”
I congratulate my councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against attacks on civilians in the war in Gaza. It is deeply disappointing that Governor McKee fired him. Like Councilman Sanchez, McKee represents many Jews and Muslims with deeply personal ties. https://t.co/p63NijMNHu
– Sam Bell (@SamuelWBell) October 30, 2023
“I stand in solidarity with Councilor @MSanchezPVD for speaking out against the escalation of the genocide in Gaza. Miguel is not alone in supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. We will continue to fight alongside him and others calling for a #ceasefire NOW,” said State Senator Tiara Mack.
Since Hamas’ deadly surprise attack on October 7, at least 33 Americans and 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the carnage.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry estimates that more than 8,000 Palestinians have died, although international observers have been skeptical of that figure.
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