Newly-minted Arizona Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh was sworn in to the U.S. House on Friday, honoring the life of ISIS victim Kayla Mueller by using her family’s Bible during the ceremony in Washington, D.C. Mueller, a humanitarian worker from Arizona, was abducted by terrorists in Syria in 2013 and tragically killed in 2015 after being held hostage for 18 months.
Hamadeh highlighted the strength and resilience of Kayla’s parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller, who have endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty since their daughter's abduction. The Muellers have been vocal in their appreciation for President Trump's actions, including the military mission that killed then-ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
During the 2020 Republican National Convention, Carl Mueller praised the empathy shown by the Trump administration and expressed regret that his daughter did not survive her captivity. He emphasized the importance of faith and strength, referencing a letter Kayla wrote while imprisoned that spoke of finding freedom even in darkness.
As Hamadeh took his oath of office, he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to use Kayla’s family Bible, symbolizing her unwavering belief in light and freedom. The 33-year-old Army veteran and former prosecutor emphasized his commitment to election integrity, border security, and energy independence as key priorities in Congress.
Reflecting on the historic mandate of President Trump's recent election, Hamadeh pledged his support for the administration's agenda and vowed to work towards positive change in the country. He affirmed his dedication to carrying Kayla Mueller's legacy forward as he embarks on his congressional duties.
Hamadeh's swearing-in ceremony comes in the wake of a tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, where at least 14 individuals lost their lives. The perpetrator, reportedly inspired by ISIS, acted alone in the attack, which left dozens injured. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism.
