Edward Durr, a commercial truck driver who unseated New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney (D), is responding to backlash over previous tweets.
A Philadelphia public radio station reported Thursday that Durr tweeted in September of 2019, “Mohammad was a pedophile! Islam is a false religion! Only fools follow muslim teachings! It is a cult of hate!”
Republican who shockingly ousted Democratic NJ Senate President called Mohammed a "pedophile" & Islam a "false religion" & a "cult of hate" in 2019 –> https://t.co/8SNHo4Yuit pic.twitter.com/D3lvBCSROz
— Matt Katz (@mattkatz00) November 4, 2021
When asked about the tweet, Durr explained, “I’m a passionate guy. And I say things in the heat of the moment. And if I said anything in the past that hurt anybody’s feelings, I sincerely apologize.”
He added, “I support everybody’s right to worship in any manner they choose to, the God of their choice. I support all people and I support everybody’s rights. And that’s what I’m here for to work for the people and support their rights.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement in response to Durr’s tweet, as The Washington Post reported.
“Islamophobes and other bigots should not be in policy-making positions impacting the lives of Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. Mr. Durr should either renounce his hate-filled statements or resign from office,” the council said.
Durr shocked the nation with his win, only spending $153 on his primary campaign. He reportedly beat Sweeney 52% to 48%.
He was asked during a Fox News interview about the first thing he will do when he arrives to the state Capitol in Trenton.
“Uh, I really don’t know. That’s the key factor. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I will learn what I need to know. And I’m going to guarantee you one thing — I will be the voice, and people will hear me,” Durr said.
NJ truck driver Edward Durr, just elected as GOP State Senator, when asked what he will do when he gets to Trenton: “I really don’t know. That’s the key factor. I don’t know what I don’t know. So, I will learn what I need to know.” pic.twitter.com/hDDnK7Gj5G
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 4, 2021
He added, “If there’s one thing people will learn about me, I got a big mouth, and I don’t shut up. When I want to be heard, I will be heard.”
