SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar have initiated a probe into the protests at Union Station, Washington D.C., on July 24, 2024. A letter was sent to Brian Becker, National Director of the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition, highlighting concerns about the group's activities during the demonstrations.

The letter states: "ANSWER and its partner organizations, including Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and AMP, have well-documented connections to Hamas and Iran. For example, SJP and AMP founder Hatem Bazian raised money for KindHearts, which was investigated and had its assets frozen due to coordination with Hamas and Hamas officials."

It also mentions that "the Biden-Harris White House acknowledges that Iran is involved in funding U.S.-based anti-Israel organizations and protests." The document further connects groups like CAIR and AMP with ANSWER's protest activities.

Moreover, intelligence agencies such as the CIA, FBI, and Department of Defense have expressed concerns over the Chinese Communist Party's influence on U.S.-based nonprofits. They warned about financial incentives being used to shape public opinion in favor of CCP interests.

The committee is seeking clarity on ANSWER's permit compliance for public gatherings on National Park Service land. They are investigating connections between ANSWER and other nonprofit groups involved in planning these events. Additionally, they aim to trace the flow of funds supporting these demonstrations.

The investigation focuses on destructive protests coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. The inquiry has uncovered ties between organizers of these events and foreign entities like Hamas and the Chinese Communist Party.

This ongoing investigation collaborates with other committees examining similar groups active across college campuses since October 7, 2023.