MEQUON, Wis. — A candidate for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District was arrested for shouting obscenities and antisemitic remarks during a road rage incident in Mequon on Thursday.
The man in a video circulating online identifies himself as Green Party candidate Matthew Arndt. The video shows another driver follow Ardnt’s car into a gas station parking lot, then shows Ardnt get out of his car and begin yelling expletives including “f*** Israel. Go f*** yourself” at the other driver.
Mequon Police confirm they arrested a 54-year-old man from Mequon for disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancer near Mequon Rd. and Wauwatosa Rd. around 8:50 a.m. on Oct. 8. The interaction allegedly began when the man was driving recklessly while making obscene gestures at another driver, who police identified as a 40-year-old man also from Mequon.
Milwaukee Jewish Federation responded to the incident with a statement that reads in part:
“Milwaukee Jewish Federation condemns the hateful and intimidating behavior captured on video today in Mequon, directed at a member of the Jewish community. Our Jewish community deeply values the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, including the right to express political opinions and criticize Israeli government policies. The First Amendment protects free speech, not unlawful harassment or threats.”
Formal charges have not been filed against Arndt and are under review by the Ozaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who witnessed the dangerous driving behavior is encouraged to contact Mequon Police Department at 262-242-3500.
