Garamendi joins Representativr Chuy García in demanding investigation into the killing of American citizen Khamis Ayyad

Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi joined Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, along with 22 other members, in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the U.S. government to conduct a thorough, credible and independent investigation into the killing of Khamis Ayyad, a U.S. citizen who was killed during Israeli settler raids in the West Bank last summer.

“At the age of 24, Khamis made the difficult decision to leave his homeland and move to the United States in search of a better future,” said Laith Ayyad, brother of Khamis Ayyad. “Over the years, his dedication earned him U.S. citizenship, making him a true example of a hardworking, law-abiding man striving to build a dignified life. [When] settlers attacked [Kilwad] … Khamis rushed to help — both to save his brother and to assist neighbors whose homes and children were threatened by the spreading flames. He risked his life to extinguish the fire and rescue those in danger … His passing left behind a grieving family, a heartbroken community and countless people who loved him deeply. He remains a symbol of courage, kindness, generosity, and righteousness—a man who gave without limits and sacrificed his life for others.”

Click here to read a copy of the letter.

Click here to read copy of Laith Ayyad’s full statement.

In addition to Congressman García, the letter was signed by: Representatives Becca Balint, André Carson, Greg Casar, Sean Casten, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Sylvia Garcia, Al Green, Jared Huffman, Jonathan Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Ro Khanna, Summer Lee, Jim McGovern, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mark Pocan, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Lateefah Simon, Rashida Tlaib and Paul Tonko.