News Summary
A road rage incident in Rocky River, Ohio, escalated between Congressman Max Miller and Dr. Feras Hamdan, resulting in criminal charges against Hamdan. Allegations include aggressive driving and threatening behavior. The investigation has involved multiple law enforcement agencies and has sparked discussions on political tensions and public safety.
Ohio City Experiences Road Rage Incident Involving Congressman Max Miller and Dr. Feras Hamdan
Rocky River, Ohio — On June 19, 2025, an incident involving Ohio Congressman Max Miller and Dr. Feras Hamdan escalated into a confrontation on the road, leading to criminal charges and an ongoing investigation. The event has drawn attention to increasing concerns over political tensions and violence.
The Incident and Immediate Response
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on June 19, Miller called 911 to report that he had been involved in a road rage incident. According to police reports, Miller claimed that Dr. Hamdan had blown his horn repeatedly, driven aggressively to the point of forcing Miller off the road, and continued following him after leaving the highway.
Miller alleges that during the encounter, Hamdan waved a Palestinian flag, shouted anti-Semitic threats, and used homophobic slurs. Miller also reported that Hamdan recorded the incident on his phone, during which Hamdan allegedly threatened to kill Miller and his family.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following the incident, Dr. Hamdan was charged with aggravated menacing and ethnic intimidation. At his arraignment on June 20, Hamdan pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of $500,000.
The Rocky River Law Department publicly released a complete and unedited video of the incident, which has become a pivotal piece of evidence in the case. The footage depicts the events as described by Miller, including Hamdan’s aggressive driving and threatening behavior.
On July 8, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Hamdan was formally indicted on charges related to threatening violence against Miller and his family. The case is now scheduled to be considered by a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury, which will determine if additional charges are warranted.
Statements and Legal Defense
Miller publicly expressed that he felt “assaulted” and that both his and his family’s safety were under threat. He described the incident as provocative, claiming that Hamdan drove erratically to provoke him, followed him off the highway, and continued to verbally threaten him amid the recorded confrontation.
Meanwhile, Hamdan’s attorney, Issa Elkhatib, contested the validity of Miller’s claims, asserting that the video footage did not corroborate the accusations. Elkhatib emphasized that political disagreements are not criminal acts, defending Hamdan’s character and suggesting that the incident may be rooted in political rivalry.
Investigation and Community Response
Following the incident, law enforcement agencies—including the U.S. Capitol Police, the FBI, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol—collaborated in the investigation. Hamdan voluntarily turned himself in after the issuance of an arrest warrant, and he is noted to have no prior criminal history. Described as a respected member of his community, Hamdan’s legal team maintains his innocence pending trial.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has garnered condemnation from political leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Congressional representatives. Leaders have expressed concern over the rise in political violence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining civility and safety in public discourse and interactions.
The Rocky River Law Department reaffirmed its commitment to investigating threats against residents and officials, assuring the public that local authorities take such incidents very seriously and will pursue justice accordingly.
Background Context
Max Miller, representing Ohio’s congressional district, has been active in politics for several years, with a background that includes advocacy and community involvement. Dr. Feras Hamdan, a local medical professional, has no known criminal record and is recognized for his contributions to the community. The case underscores the current climate of political tension and the potential for conflicts to escalate into violence, prompting increased vigilance from law enforcement and public officials.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Police Release Videos in Alleged Rocky River Road Rage Incident
- WKYC: Max Miller Alleged Road Rage Incident
- ABC News: Congressman Max Miller Run Off Road
- Cleveland 19: New Video Released of Road Rage Incident
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
