Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., sparked widespread outrage and calls for his resignation after suggesting during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that Americans could be justified in shooting masked individuals they perceived as attackers. The remarks resulted in instant pushback as critics pointed out Nadler’s logic targets federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, while applying equally to masked agitators—recklessly placing lives in danger.
In comments made Feb. 3, 2026, Nadler described ICE operations under the Trump administration as contributing to “fascism in our streets” and “attacks on American citizens by masked hoodlums.” He added, “If you were attacked by a masked person, you might think you were being kidnapped. You would be justified in shooting the person to protect yourself.”
Vice President JD Vance swiftly condemned the statement on X, writing that Nadler, “one of the highest ranking Democrats in the House of Representatives,” was “openly calling for people to shoot federal law enforcement.” Vance, calling the behavior “despicable, ” predicted limited coverage from left-leaning media.
Nadler later clarified he was not advocating violence against ICE but urging the agency to abandon masks, require body cameras, and obtain “judicial warrants” to reduce risks of mistaken confrontations. Accusing ICE of “terrorizing communities,” Nadler’s remarks were made amid ongoing appropriations negotiations that have partially shut down the federal government.
In addition to concerns for the safety of federal agents, critics have expressed concerns that Nadler’s “masked hoodlum” remarks could be taken to justify shooting anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis where masked vigilante groups have established checkpoints—pulling over vehicles to check ID and license plates for any connection to federal agents.
Various videos, posted to X, show masked participants wearing face coverings and scarves while confronting vehicles and, in some cases, assaulting journalists.
Nadler, who previously led efforts to censure president Trump for “dangerous rhetoric,” is retiring after his term. However, as one of the highest ranking Democratic members of the House, critics are now calling upon Nadler to resign early following his dangerous escalation of rhetoric during Tuesdays committee hearing.
