Congressman Harrigan on the 500th Day Since the October 7th Hamas Attack

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) released the following statement marking 500 days since Hamas’ attack on Israel:

“Five hundred days ago, the world witnessed the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists slaughtered 1,200 innocent men, women, and children, committing unthinkable acts of brutality—torture, rape, mutilation, and the kidnapping of the elderly and infants alike.

Today, 73 hostages—including five Americans—remain in captivity. For 500 days, their families have lived in agony, waiting for news, hoping for miracles, and wondering if the world has forgotten them.

Let me be clear: We have not forgotten. We will never forget. The United States must continue applying maximum pressure on Hamas and every terror group that seeks to erase Israel from the map. The forces of terrorism and hate will not prevail. Israel has the right to defend itself, and as Americans, we have a moral duty to stand by our greatest ally.

I am grateful for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership in securing the release of American and Israeli hostages through the ceasefire agreement. But our work is far from over. Every hostage must be returned. Every terrorist must be held accountable.”