Hakeem Jeffries Slams GOP Rep. Ogles For Saying 'Muslims Don't Belong In American Society': 'Malignant Clown'

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed Republican Rep. Andy Ogles on Monday over his comments about Muslims not having a place in "American society."

"Andy Ogles is a malignant clown and pathological liar who has fabricated his whole life story. Disgusting Islamophobes like you do not belong in Congress or in civilized society. And that's why House Democrats will defeat you in November," Jeffries said in a social media publication.

The message was echoed by other Democratic lawmakers. One of them was Rep. Eric Swalwell, who called the publication "NOT American."

"I don't know how many Muslims are in this guy's district. I know there are tens of thousands in mine. They are parents. Entrepreneurs. Police officers. The firefighter-paramedic giving CPR to save your life. They are us. They are American," the lawmaker added.

Ogles stirred controversy with the publication on Monday, an apparent reaction to incidents related to dueling protests outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City mayors and where Mayor Zohran Mamdani currently resides.

Two men were arrested after an improvised explosive device was found in the premises during the protests. Offices said that, had it gone off, it could have killed or severely injured people there. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the case was being investigated as an "ISIS-inspired act of terrorism."

The anti-Islam demonstration was led by influencer Jake Lang and met with the counterprotest.

Mamdani, who was not in Gracie Mansion at the time, condemned the development, calling Lang by name and saying the demonstration was rooted in "bigotry and racism."

"Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city's values and the unity that defines who we are. What followed was even more disturbing. Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are," Mamdani added.

Ogles reacted to the statement, calling on the DOJ to deport Mamdani. "All they need to do is read his file," he said.

Ogles also reposted a message claiming that the explosive device was made by people who took part in the counterprotest, rather than the protesters led by Lang. Tisch noted that the device was in fact thrown by a counterprotested. Witnesses then claimed that it was smoking but extinguished itself after hitting a barrier and landing a few feet from police. The same protester grabbed another device and lit it before dropping it.