Leaked messages reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior among Young Republican leaders, including derogatory comments about black individuals, inappropriate praise for Hitler, and graphic discussions regarding violence against perceived adversaries.
William Hendrix, the vice chair of the Kansas Young Republicans and a white individual, allegedly used variations of the n-word extensively in a group chat labeled “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM” on Telegram, as documented in communications reviewed by Politico.
In a thread from July regarding African Americans, he reportedly made a racist comment, saying, “Bro is at a chicken restaurant ordering his food. Would he like some watermelon and Kool-Aid with that?”
Hendrix’s use of racial slurs was documented repeatedly in the private chat conversations obtained by Politico.
In yet another disturbing message, Bobby Walker described rape as “epic,” reflecting a deeply troubling mindset.
In a rant during June, Peter Giunta, then-chair of the New York Young Republicans, threatened anyone who did not vote for him with a fate involving “the gas chamber,” as reported.
Giunta further stated, “I’m going to create some of the greatest physiological torture methods known to man. We only want true believers.” This prompted a response from Joe Maligno, who served as general counsel for the New York State Young Republicans at that time.
Maligno jokingly remarked, “Can we fix the showers? Gas chambers don’t fit the Hitler aesthetic,” to which another Young Republican responded, “I’m ready to watch people burn now,” according to the leaked messages.
In an especially shocking exchange, Giunta allegedly expressed, “I love Hitler,” in reply to Kansas Young Republicans’ chairman’s remarks.
Additionally, he referred to an opponent from Maryland as a “fat stinky Jew” and called Arkansas Young Republicans “inbred cow f–kers” in the exchanged messages.
Giunta reportedly made multiple derogatory comments regarding black individuals, including one quip about watching basketball, saying, “I’d go to the zoo if I wanted to watch monkey play ball,” while at another point he described African Americans as “the watermelon people.”
The leaked materials encompass approximately 2,900 pages of conversations among around a dozen Young Republican influencers that took place from early January to mid-August this year.
The fallout from these revelations has already begun, with at least one participant losing his job, and another facing rescission of a job offer, as Politico noted.
In response to the leaked information, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party announced that the state Young Republicans organization would be immediately deactivated.
Hendrix was terminated from his position within the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach, who confirmed the dismissal.
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“The comments shared in the chat are absolutely unacceptable. As soon as we became aware of these messages, Will Hendrix’s employment was terminated,” Kobach shared with the Kansas Reflector.
New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik quickly denounced the chat remarks and called for acknowledgment from Democrats.
“Republicans unequivocally condemned these reprehensible statements and held the YR organization accountable,” she stated on X.
Continuing her remarks, she criticized a Virginia Democrat candidate who allegedly wished harm upon political opponents, stating, “Democrats have not condemned this violent rhetoric and have instead doubled down in support of this candidate.”
Michael Austin, chief executive of the Kansas Black Republican Council, expressed profound outrage about the matter.
“Such actions are not just offensive; they betray the foundational principles of our party: defense of liberty, the abolition of slavery, and belief in the inherent worth of every individual,” Austin remarked to the Kansas Reflector.
“These few individuals do not represent Kansas or the values of Kansas Republicans,” he added.
