The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
A group of Utah lawmakers and Jewish leaders viewed 45 minutes of unedited video of the Hamas terror group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel in a closed screening at the state Capitol on Tuesday meant to reinforce for them the brutality and reality of what the victims experienced that day.
The screening was organized by Senate President Stuart Adams, who said the footage is a reminder that the ensuing conflict between Israel and Gaza is a global issue. Speaking briefly after viewing the graphic footage, a somber Adams compared Utah leaders watching the video to other nations and allies supporting the U.S. after the 9/11 terror attacks.
“We had people that understood our pain, and we see the pain that the Israeli people are going through. There’s nothing that can explain it. We need to stand with the free world to try to protect what’s going on. And yeah, it’s important that we understand and remember, I will never forget. Hopefully the world never forgets,” Adams said.