Sen. Lindsey Graham is facing criticism after arguing that former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden helped create the conditions that led to a deadly mass shooting in Australia.
Appearing on Fox News’s Hannity on Monday night, the South Carolina Republican said “Obama and Biden have a lot to do with this,” while discussing the attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration. (The Independent)
What Graham said
In the interview, Graham said he ultimately “blame[s] the terrorist,” but claimed Obama “allowed ISIS to come about” after the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, and criticized Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, U.S. border policy, and Iran-related policy. (The Independent)
Graham also attacked Australia’s strict gun laws, arguing they don’t stop terrorism, and suggested Australian leaders had effectively “allowed” ISIS into the country. (The Independent)
What happened in Sydney
Australian authorities say a father and son opened fire on a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people; one of the two alleged shooters was killed at the scene, according to Reuters. (Reuters) Officials have described the incident as terrorism targeting Jews, and investigators say the suspects were inspired by Islamic State ideology. (Reuters)
In response, New South Wales officials and Australia’s federal government have signaled support for tougher measures aimed at extremist symbols and hate speech, alongside renewed attention to gun control. (AP News)
Context and pushback
Graham’s comments also sparked renewed debate over the U.S. decisions he referenced. The Independent notes the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq was based on an agreement reached under President George W. Bush and carried out during the Obama administration, while the Afghanistan withdrawal followed a deal negotiated under the Trump administration and executed under Biden. (The Independent)
The Independent also reports that Graham claimed Biden “rejoined” the Iran nuclear agreement—something that did not happen. (The Independent)
