SACRAMENTO, California — Sacramento County District 1 Supervisor Phil Serna responded Monday to criticism that he lashed out against people on a Facebook post he wrote regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
"How big are your balls you coward... run for office instead of opening your useless pie-hole!! DO IT!! Dare you!! COWARD...," Serna wrote Sunday in response to one comment.
Serna's office confirmed he made the post, and Serna said he apologizes for offending anyone with his post as it was not his intent.
This is not the first time the District 1 supervisor sparked criticism with his use of social media.
On Jan. 3, 2021, Serna wrote that supporters of then-President Donald Trump were "traitors" and "dead to me." This led to the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs' Association filing a formal discrimination complaint and requesting an independent investigation of Serna's actions.
Serna was cleared of any wrongdoing, according to the 25-page investigative report prepared by Van Dermyden Maddux Investigations Law Firm.
"Have my recent posts on social media about the situation in Israel and Gaza been impassioned and at times defensive? Yes. And if I have offended anyone, I apologize that was not my intent," he said.
Read Phil Serna's full statement to ABC10 from Monday below:
“In 2016 I had the opportunity to visit Israel. While there I spent time in southern Israel near the Gaza border where I met with parents who lost children to rocket attacks originating from Gaza. I also had the chance to meet and know Israelis living and working at Kibbutz Nakhal Oz; one of the sites of Hamas’ inhumane slaughter of innocent men, women, and children – including infants – on October 7, 2023. Since that time, I’ve attempted to show my solidarity with the Israeli people, and even stayed in daily contact with a close friend in Tel Aviv. I’ve also encouraged people here in our own community to distinguish between Palestinians and the terrorist organization Hamas as they are not one in the same.
Have my recent posts on social media about the situation in Israel and Gaza been impassioned and at times defensive? Yes. And if I have offended anyone, I apologize that was not my intent. That said, it is because of my direct connection and experience knowing the people, culture and geography associated with the latest violence involving Israel and Gaza that I’ve been as outspoken as I have. This, combined with growing antisemitic behavior here and elsewhere continue to influence my personal need to speak-out.”
