U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has expressed his condolences following the death of Robbi Force, mother of Taylor Force. Taylor, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran, was killed by a Palestinian terrorist while visiting Israel as part of a Vanderbilt University program. The Palestinian Authority later praised the assailant as a “heroic martyr” and provided financial support to the attacker’s family.
Graham stated, “I am very sad to hear of the passing of Robbi Force, who was the mother of Taylor Force, the young man murdered by a Palestinian terrorist.” He highlighted that after the incident, “the terrorist was hailed as a hero by the Palestinian Authority,” which led to financial support for the killer’s family.
In response to this situation, Graham authored and successfully passed the Taylor Force Act. This legislation aims to cut off U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority due to its practice of providing payments in cases like this one. Graham credited Robbi and her husband Stuart for their advocacy efforts: “Robbi was instrumental in getting this law passed. She and her husband, Stuart, were tireless advocates for this cause.”
Graham described Robbi as “a kind and sincere woman” and expressed comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her son Taylor. He extended his prayers to Stuart and the entire Force family.
The background context notes that after Taylor’s murder, Graham introduced legislation prohibiting American taxpayer dollars from supporting practices similar to martyr payments by the Palestinian Authority. Additionally, he is involved in legislative efforts targeting sanctions against members of Palestinian leadership who promote terrorism.
