The Shocking Confrontation at Tune Inn
On the evening of May 12, 2026, what began as a casual dinner at the Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., escalated into a disturbing public altercation. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican congressman from New York's 17th District, was dining with a friend and reporter Reese Gorman from the digital outlet Notus when he was approached by William Paul, the adult son of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. What followed was a reported 10-minute drunken tirade filled with antisemitic and homophobic remarks that has since sparked widespread condemnation.
Lawler, who represents a district with a significant Jewish population and is a vocal supporter of Israel despite being Catholic of Irish and Italian descent, recounted the incident to reporters the next day. William Paul interrupted their conversation, fixating on the upcoming Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District involving Rep. Thomas Massie, a close ally of Sen. Rand Paul. Paul allegedly blamed 'your people' for any potential Massie loss, clarifying 'Yeah, you Jews' when pressed. Upon learning Lawler was not Jewish, Paul reportedly apologized mockingly, saying, 'Oh wow, I’m so sorry for calling you a Jew,' before continuing his outburst.
Eyewitness Details and Exact Words
Reese Gorman provided a firsthand account, describing how William Paul, visibly intoxicated, launched into conspiracy-laden rhetoric. He accused Jews of being 'anti-American' and more loyal to Israel, blamed Israel for the ongoing U.S. tensions with Iran, and claimed the U.S. was 'trying to steal Iran’s land for the Jews.' Paul specifically targeted GOP megadonor Paul Singer, asserting Singer served 'Israeli interests, not American interests.' The rant extended to homophobic slurs, with Paul declaring he 'hates Jews and hates gays and doesn’t care if they die.'
Lawler confronted Paul on the antisemitism, to which Paul allegedly replied that Lawler needed to 'watch more Tucker Carlson.' The exchange ended with Paul flipping Lawler the middle finger and tripping over a bar stool as he stumbled out. Gorman's report, published early on May 13, ignited immediate media attention.
William Paul's Swift Apology
Hours after Lawler's public statements, William Paul posted an apology on X under the handle @TastyBrew1776. 'Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem,' he wrote. The post came amid mounting scrutiny, but many questioned its sincerity given Paul's history of alcohol-related incidents.
Paul's LinkedIn profile reveals recent work as a congressional aide for Republican colleagues, including time at a Christian Employers Alliance conference in San Diego. His profile photo shows him approvingly pointing at a Barry Goldwater statue, adding irony since Goldwater's grandfather was Jewish.
Rep. Mike Lawler's Strong Condemnation
Lawler did not mince words, calling the tirade 'fucking disgusting' and 'reprehensible.' Speaking to outlets like CBS News and the New York Post, he detailed the full scope: 'He went on a 10-minute diatribe about Jews, about Israel, about Paul Singer... playing right into the typical antisemitic tropes.' Lawler emphasized the personal impact, noting such abuse mirrors what many Jews face daily.
- Interrupted dinner conversation about Massie primary
- Assumed Lawler Jewish based on pro-Israel stance
- Extended rant including homophobia
- Defiant exit with gesture
William Paul's History of Troubles
This is not Paul's first brush with the law. In 2013, at age 19, he was charged with assaulting a flight attendant. In 2015, he faced a DUI after crashing into a parked car. More recently, in 2023, he pleaded guilty to another DUI in Kentucky. These incidents paint a pattern of alcohol-fueled misbehavior, raising questions about whether his apology signals genuine change or damage control.
Photo by Salvatore Favata on Unsplash
The Catalyst: Thomas Massie's Primary Battle
The confrontation ties directly to the May 19, 2026, Republican primary in Kentucky's 4th District. Incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie, endorsed by Sen. Rand Paul since October 2025, faces Trump-backed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein. Polls show Massie leading, with Kalshi odds at 72% as of late April. The race, the most expensive House primary ever, features attack ads from a pro-Massie PAC targeting Paul Singer with antisemitic undertones, like a rainbow Star of David over his image and labels like 'LGBTQ mafia.'
Singer, a pro-Israel Jewish billionaire supporting gay rights, backs Gallrein. Massie, a critic of U.S. Israel aid and Epstein files releaser, has faced his own antisemitism accusations, including a 2021 COVID-Holocaust tweet comparison.
Details on the controversial adSen. Rand Paul's Position and Response
Rand Paul has staunchly backed Massie, campaigning with him and vowing, 'I’m going to be with him every step of the way.' When asked about his son's rant, Paul curtly replied, 'I don’t have anything for you on that,' offering no apology or outreach to Lawler. This silence has fueled speculation about family dynamics and Paul's libertarian wing tensions with Trump loyalists.
Condemnation from Jewish Leaders
The Kentucky Jewish Council issued a strong statement: 'We are deeply disturbed both by the antisemitic conspiracy theories posited by Mr. Paul and with his comfort in harassing someone he thought was Jewish in a public place. We regret that Congressman Lawler had to experience the kind of abuse far too many American Jews suffer on a regular basis.' Similar outrage came from groups like the ADL, highlighting how such rhetoric normalizes hate.
Times of Israel coverage of reactionsAntisemitism's Alarming Rise in America
This incident occurs amid surging antisemitism. The ADL's 2025 Audit reported the third-highest year for incidents since 1979, with antisemitic assaults up 4% to a 46-year high of 203, and weapon-involved attacks surging 39%. Political rhetoric, campus protests, and online hate have fueled a 893% decade-long increase. Experts warn such public outbursts embolden extremists.
- 2025: 10,000+ total incidents (harassment, vandalism, assault)
- Physical assaults: Record 203 cases
- Political context: Attacks on Jewish donors, Israel critics
GOP Internal Strife and Broader Implications
The event exposes fractures in the Republican Party: libertarian skeptics like Paul and Massie vs. Trump-MAGA forces. With Massie favored to win, the primary tests Trump's endorsement power. For the Paul family, it risks reputational damage; for politics, it underscores how personal alcohol issues can amplify divisive tropes.
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Looking Ahead: Accountability and Healing
As the primary nears, focus shifts to Massie's fate and William Paul's promised treatment. Lawler advocates zero tolerance for hate, urging party leaders to condemn bigotry. This case serves as a stark reminder: in polarized times, words—even slurred—carry weight, demanding swift accountability to prevent normalization of prejudice. Stakeholders from both parties call for dialogue, education, and vigilance against rising hate.