Arrest After Mequon Gas Station Encounter
Matthew Arndt, a Green Party candidate for Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District, was arrested by Mequon police following a road rage and disorderly conduct incident at a local gas station. Authorities responded to the Mobil Gas Station at the corner of Mequon and Wauwatosa roads around 8:50 a.m. after receiving reports of dangerous driving and obscene gestures on Mequon Road involving Arndt and a 40-year-old local man. [1] [2]
Video Captures Heated Exchange and Statements
The confrontation continued in the gas station parking lot and was captured on video, showing Arndt shouting profanities, anti-Semitic statements, and phrases including free Palestine. The driver who recorded the footage stated that a bumper sticker on his car featuring an Israeli flag and a message against Hamas triggered the verbal attack. Arndt was subsequently arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancer, and investigative reports are being forwarded to the Ozaukee County District Attorney's Office for a charging review. [1] [2]
Reactions from the Candidate and Local Groups
In interviews following the incident, Arndt defended his political stance against the Israeli government while apologizing for his behavior, stating that his remarks were directed at the nation rather than Jewish people. The Wisconsin Green Party issued a statement supporting Palestinian human rights while condemning Arndt's parking lot conduct, and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation condemned the intimidating behavior while emphasizing support for community safety and First Amendment protections. [1] [2]
Sources
- Wisconsin congressional candidate arrested, tirade over Israel — 2026-10-08T17:34:41-05:00
- Congressional candidate caught unloading profane tirade against Israel — 2026-10-08T19:26:00Z