On Monday, Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that US-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas terrorists during the Oct 7 attacks in 2023. Neutra’s body remains in Gaza. 

“We are deeply saddened by the confirmation of Omer Neutra’s death. Since October 7th, we have gotten to know Omer’s parents and are devastated for them,” said Budd in a press release. “We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Omer’s friends and loved ones. This news is further proof of the true evil of Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government must not relent until all those responsible for Omer’s murder are brought to justice and until we bring every American hostage home.”

“Our hearts are heavy today,” said President Joe Biden in a statement. “Jill and I are devastated and outraged to learn of the death of Omer Neutra, an American citizen, whose body Hamas has apparently been holding since they killed him during their brutal terrorist attack on October 7.”

In January, Budd was able to see firsthand the devastation caused by Hamas attacks on Oct 7 at the Kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel, when he was part of a congressional delegation to the Middle East. 

Budd spoke on the Senate floor on Oct 25, 2023, concerning the hostage situation in Gaza; this includes 64-year-old North Carolina native Keith Samuel Sigel, who remains in captivity to this day. 

Since Hamas attacks on Israel, Budd has consistently condemned the terrorist organization and been an outspoken advocate on behalf of the hostages. 

During the 2024 State of the Union, Sens. Budd and Tillis invited Siegel’s family as their guests. Sigel’s sister, Lucy, and niece, Hanna, attended the speech. 

Back in May, Budd was part of a congressional delegation to the Middle East, during which he received first-hand updates on hostage negotiations from both US and Israeli officials, including Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The families of American hostages, including the Sigel family, were also hosted. 

On the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks, Budd disclosed that the Biden administration did not respond to a bipartisan request from Budd and 11 other senators, approving an award of $25 million for information that would bring the Hamas leaders to justice. 

“Less than a month ago, Omer’s mother and father joined me at the White House to share the pain they’ve endured as they prayed for the safe return of their son – pain no parent should ever know,” continued Biden. “They told me how Omer’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors and how their family’s strength and resilience has been carried through the generations. During this dark hour—as our nation joins Omer’s parents, brother, and family in grieving this tragic loss—we pray to find strength and resilience. And to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong.”