East Michigan News

Members of Michigan’s Republican congressional delegation, led by Congressman John Moolenaar, have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to block Hussam Shaheen from entering the United States to speak at the upcoming People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit. The lawmakers also sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, asking for an investigation into the conference and its speakers’ possible ties to terrorist organizations.

Shaheen, who was announced as a featured speaker by the conference organizers on social media, is known as the founder of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. He was convicted in 2004 of attempted murder and accused of planning a failed terrorist attack in Jerusalem. Shaheen was released from prison on February 1, 2025, as part of a prisoner exchange involving hostages held by Hamas since October 7.

In their letter to Secretary Rubio, the lawmakers stated: "While organizers claim it is “designed to address the current political moment and to bring together critical voices,” this event and those like it are platforms for inciting violence and anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitic attacks are at a record high and have increased dramatically since Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. Our nation is under no obligation to allow those connected with terror groups to enter the U.S. and endanger our communities In light of these concerns, we urge your Department to deny any travel visas to any such person traveling into the U.S. for this event."

Addressing Attorney General Bondi, they wrote: "Freedom of speech has always been a cornerstone of our nation. However, allowing officials with ties to federally designated terrorist organizations, such as Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, to spew their hatred of America and our closest ally, Israel, raises significant concerns as to the safety of our communities. In light of these concerns, we request your Department to investigate to the fullest extent of the law any connections to terrorist organizations of those affiliated with the People’s Conference for Palestine and their invited guests."

The letters were signed by Representatives John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman, Bill Huizenga, Tim Walberg, Tom Barrett, Lisa McClain and John James.

John Moolenaar has represented Michigan’s 2nd district in Congress since 2015 after replacing Dave Camp. He previously served in both chambers of Michigan's state legislature. Born in Midland in 1961 and currently residing in Caledonia, Moolenaar graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

The full text of both letters can be found through links provided by Moolenaar’s office.