New York Congressman Lee Zeldin appears to be using the fact that Rahami was captured as an opportunity to take a shot at San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
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Zeldin tweeted last month that Kaepernick “should think about the service members risking their lives to protect his freedom to be both rich and unpatriotic in National Football League”. His tweet led to posts on several major media websites, including the New York Daily News, Salon and TMZ. Zeldin figured he should personally tell Kaepernick “you are welcome” after suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami was taken into custody, TMZ reports.
Kaepernick has been protesting police brutality against African Americans and other minorities by sitting or kneeling during the national anthem since the start of the preseason. “We wouldn’t be able to live in the greatest nation in the world if not for these heroes who keep us safe, secure and free”.
He continued: “I’m insulted and disgusted when someone refuses to say the pledge or stand for the national anthem”.
Kilmeade’s comments and Zeldin’s latest tweet feed into a narrative that people of color ought to be grateful to government institutions – like the police, for one – that historically oppress them.
“These players must be reminded that our flag, our national anthem and the uniform of our fearless military are more sacred than the uniforms that they wear on the field”, he wrote.
Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami was arrested Monday morning following a bombing in Manhattan Saturday night that injured almost 30 people.
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Congressman Zeldin is up for re-election for the first time in November, when he will be challenged by former Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst.
