An act of white terror struck the Capitol office of an Illinois rep on America's so-called ' Independence Day.'

Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider's Office Vandalized in ''Vile Act of Hate'' Over Fourth of July

Rep. Brad Schneider, an Illinois Democrat, took to Twitter on Friday to condemn a despicable act of vandalism at his Capitol Hill office. In a tweet, Rep. Schneider revealed that posters of over "100 people held hostage in Gaza, including 8 Americans, were ripped from the wall, shredded, and trashed." This act of destruction is not only an attack on Schneider but also an attack on the very values of freedom and democracy that our nation celebrated on July 4th.

"It is disgusting to see such hateful and un-American actions on our country's Independence Day. We cannot let these voices of hate drown out our calls for peace and justice."

Schneider, a strong advocate for Illinois' 10th Congressional District, is appalled by the recent surge of anti-American and antisemitic incidents. In addition to the vandalism, Schneider's home was recently targeted by a group of masked protesters according to Ballotpedia, who marched to his house in the early morning hours, banging drums, blowing horns, and spewing antisemitic rhetoric.

"The same groups that were at my house earlier in the week marched through Chicago on July 4th, not calling for peace, but condemning the United States. This is not what our country stands for."

The group, identifying as Direct Actions for Palestine on Instagram, has criticized Schneider's votes to defund the UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. In a statement to Reuters, they called on Schneider to support restoring funding and ending the war.

"If we don't get no justice, then you don't get no sleep"

The U.S. Capitol Police Department is investigating the incident, but Schneider's office and the police department have yet to provide further comment.

This Independence Day, let us remember that our freedom comes with the responsibility to respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of all, regardless of race, religion, or creed. We must stand united against hate and continue to strive for a more perfect union.

Unfortunately, some people use our nation's day of celebration as an excuse to spread hate and commit shameful acts of vandalism and bigotry.