New York Republican Representative George Santos was called out for paying tribute to the victims of the September 11 terror attacks even though he'd previously implied his mother perished in the attacks, before it was discovered she wasn't even in the United States at the time.
In a message to his followers on X—the social media website formerly known as Twitter—Santos said we must "never forget those who died on the worst day in America" and announced he's introduced a bill to include neuropathy in the World Trade Center Health Program's list of covered health conditions related to the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people.
Santos did not mention his proposed legislation has not been considered since it was sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in April.
You can see Santos' post below.
Later, the embattled Republican—who has been mired in scandal since New York Times reporters unearthed multiple lies he'd told about his life story—posted a similar message to his personal account.
He wrote:
“Today we remember all those lost on the horrific events of 9/11/01. 22 years have passed and not a day goes by where the images of the greatest attack on our nation are not forgotten. We must keep the fight against terror strong.”
You can see Santos' post below.
Santos has made several false claims about his family's connection to the tragic events of September 11.
He previously stated that his late mother, Fatima Devolder, was a finance entrepreneur who had her own office in the Twin Towers. His campaign website even claimed that she was in her office in the South Tower when the attacks occurred.
He also previously stated that the attacks claimed his mother's life, leading many to believe that she perished on that day. However, it was revealed that she actually passed away in 2016 and a U.S. visa application she signed in 2003 stated that she had left the U.S. for Brazil in 1999 and had not returned since.
Santos later explained that his mother's death was a result of long-term health conditions caused by inhaling toxic dust on 9/11. He claimed that his family had been unable to qualify for claims related to the attacks.
Social media users quickly called him out on his lies.
Santos was arraigned in court in May, facing a barrage of serious allegations exposing his alleged fraudulent schemes and dishonesty that allowed him to rise to Congress and enrich himself.
The charges against him include seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of misappropriation of public funds, and two counts of making false statements of material fact to the House of Representatives.
Even before the criminal charges came to light, many of Santos' fellow New York Republicans called for his resignation due to his history of fabrications. In the wake of the indictment, the calls for his resignation grew louder.
However, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has shown no inclination to reprimand or sideline the freshman New York Republican. McCarthy's stance was made evident as he indicated Santos would be permitted to retain his congressional seat, even in the wake of his indictment on federal charges.
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