Why Congressman Had Grim Crucifixion Posters on House Floor

Texas congressman was skeptical of Muslim prayers at National Cathedral.

ByABC News
November 14, 2014, 7:46 PM

— -- On a typical Friday afternoon in the House of Representatives, it’s not an uncommon sight to see Rep. Louie Gohmert make his way to the floor to the floor to speak out during special order speeches – an open mic opportunity of sorts for lawmakers to speak out on any issue they desire after the body concludes the day’s legislative business.

When Gohmert took to the well of the chamber and a congressional aide set up some two easels today featuring grim photos of people who had been crucified, the conservative firebrand from Texas quickly captured the attention of the chamber.

He began his 40 minute speech by talking about how the House had just passed a vote to authorize construction on the Keystone Pipeline, but Gohmert soon revealed why he was standing in front of two large black and white photos depicting crucifixions.

“To many people, dates mean things. My anniversary means a lot. I’ve never forgotten one. Our birthdays mean a lot to most Westerners,” Gohmert, R-Texas said. “Some of us try to forget them, but major dates in Caliphate history mean a great deal to radical Islamists.”

Gohmert then expressed skepticism over a Muslim prayer service scheduled to be held today for the first time at the National Cathedral in Washington. Gohmert claimed the day was the 100th anniversary of the last sitting Caliph of the Ottoman Empire’s call for jihad against non-believers, which Gohmert said was a “catalyst which led to religiously-fueled genocide against Christian Armenians and Assyrians.”

During the service at the National Cathedral, Rizwan Jacka of Islamic Society of North America called the cathedral a house of prayer for all people, the Associated Press reported.