James Fischback, a former Florida gubernatorial candidate and controversial political figure, was forcibly removed from a Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday afternoon after protesting the county's expanded investment in Israel-backed bonds."Do you serve the people of Hialeah or of Haifa? Do you serve the people of Aventura or of Tel Aviv? Do you serve the people of South Miami or of Jerusalem? This money should be invested here in this community.It should be invested in Miami-Dade County," he added before officers escorted him from the room.The confrontation comes after the county voted earlier this summer to raise its investment cap with Israel from 3% to 5% of its portfolio — a move that allows it invest upwards of about $400 million to $450 million.
The change has drawn opposition from figures like Fischback critical of using public funds to invest in Israel as the war in Gaza continues to fuel political divisions in the U.S.It has also provided Fischback a platform to continue his opposition to U.S.-Israel ties.ANTISEMITISM FIGHT EXPLODES IN FLORIDA AS VOTERS HEAD TO THE POLLS: 'POLITICAL POGROM'GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback announces Sean Lozano, a South Florida police officer, as his running mate during a press conference on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)"What this is about, very simply, is whom do you serve?" Fischback said.Fischback, a Republican, has garnered national attention for his views on race and has developed a reputation for confrontational public appearances.Fischback was among the 11 GOP candidates seeking to replace outgoing Gov.Ron DeSantis.
He garnered 10.4% of the vote in the Aug.18 primary but drew national attention for a series of inflammatory on-camera moments.In one such case, he repeatedly called Rep.
Byron Donalds, the frontrunner, eventual nominee and one of the only Black Republicans in Congress, a "slave" repeatedly at a news conference."Byron Donalds is a sl...