Congressman-elect Abe Hamadeh didn’t keep the stage to himself for this year’s America Fest attended by President Donald Trump — instead, the representative-to-be chose to yield the mic to local law enforcement officers.
Hamadeh invited Dave Goitia, the Glendale Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 12 president, to speak onstage. Goitia received the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor for risking his life to save his partner, the late officer Anthony Holly, during a 2007 traffic stop.
“Arizona’s law enforcement is strong, tough, and loyal. It was a GREAT honor to be joined by these men in blue who go to the streets of battle every day,” said Hamadeh.
Arizona’s law enforcement is strong, tough, and loyal. It was a GREAT honor to be joined by these men in blue who go to the streets of battle everyday.@GlendaleFOP12’s own Dave Goitia gave an incredible speech and @Kash_Patel has the support of law enforcement. 🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/ttJdTQ3Utl
— Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) December 22, 2024
Goitia thanked the “patriotic Americans” in attendance at America Fest, the annual event held by Turning Point USA. There were thousands in attendance, with nearly 20,000 in attendance on Sunday to see President-elect Donald Trump.
“Being a cop in this country, as you know, it’s tough. There’s a lot of violence out here. There’s too many prosecutors focused on political pandering, not focused on the bad guys,” said Goitia. “But we cops, we know how to bounce back. And we bounce back with strong leaders, leaders like Congressman-elect Abe Hamadeh, who from day one has had our back.”
Goitia also expressed his confidence in Trump and Trump’s FBI nominee, Kash Patel.
“Was proud to be joined by some of Arizona’s brave law enforcement officers and leaders of police associations,” posted Hamadeh on X. “They’ve got our backs and I’ve got theirs.”
Was proud to be joined by some of Arizona’s brave law enforcement officers and leaders of police associations. It was an honor. They have our backs and I’ve got theirs. 🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/Q66KC3Uk3x
— Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) December 22, 2024
Glendale FOP Lodge 12 later expressed their thanks to Hamadeh for including their members. The lodge added that they have full confidence in Hamadeh to prioritize law enforcement in his representation of Arizona’s eight congressional district.
“[Hamadeh] always leaves room for our LEOs,” said the FOP Lodge on X. “Support for the Thin Blue Line at this venue was off the charts. Thank you everyone.”
Honored to be part of AMERICAFEST with @AbrahamHamadeh. He always leaves room for our LEO’s
Support for the Thin Blue Line at this venue was off the charts. Thank you everyone 🇺🇸@realDonaldTrump
@TPUSA @TPAction_ @az_cops @Kash_Patel @RepAndyBiggsAZ @glennbeck… pic.twitter.com/Pi3jAHaSnc— Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge 12 (@GlendaleFOP12) December 22, 2024
Hamadeh wasn’t the only featured guest to honor law enforcement at America Fest. Turning Point USA invited and honored Tyler Moldovan, the Phoenix police officer nearly killed by repeat felon Essa Williams. Moldovan was shot eight times, including once in the head, by Williams just weeks before Christmas in 2021. Moldovan was not expected to survive his injuries.
And yet, several years later, Moldovan and his wife, Chelsea, were all smiles at America Fest as they spent time with Turning Point USA leaders — including organization founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk.
“We were thrilled to have hero Tyler Moldovan and his incredible wife Chelsea with us today. The most important person in the room,” posted Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action. “God Bless the men who put on the uniform to protect us every day. We must clean up this state.”
We were thrilled to have HERO Tyler Moldovan and his incredible wife Chelsea with us today.
The most important person in the room.
God Bless the men who put on the uniform to protect us every day.
We must clean up this state. pic.twitter.com/yotjDc7fYA
— Tyler Bowyer (@tylerbowyer) December 23, 2024
Williams obtained the weapon from a firearms dealer who intentionally assisted Williams in avoiding a background check. Williams also got another gun from his mother months after his release from prison in 2020. Both individuals have been sentenced for providing firearms to Williams.
It is unclear how Moldovan’s would-be killer, Williams, was released from prison at the time of his attack. Williams was sentenced in 2017 to 23 years in prison for multiple charges related to armed robberies and aggravated assault, but only served three years prior to his release.
