Rand Paul Destroys Markwayne Mullin for Calling Him a 'Freaking Snake' and Mocking His Brutal Assault

Rand Paul Blasts Markwayne Mullin Over "Freaking Snake" Comments and Assault Remarks at DHS Hearing

Sen. Rand Paul, R Ky., used his position as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee to confront President Donald Trump's pick for Department of Homeland Security secretary, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R Okla., during a heated confirmation hearing on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Paul opened his remarks by directly challenging Mullin over comments the Oklahoma senator allegedly made at a February constituent event. According to Oklahoma based journalist David Arnett, Mullin told attendees:

"I respect Bernie Sanders because he's an open socialist, and you know that he's a communist so you know what you're getting. Rand Paul's a freaking snake. And I understand completely why his neighbor did what he did."

The remark referred to Paul's 2017 assault, when his neighbor tackled him while he was doing yard work in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The attack left Paul with six broken ribs and resulted in a partial lung removal. A Kentucky jury later awarded him $580,000 in damages in 2019. Paul has described the pain as equivalent to "1,000 knives."

Paul dared Mullin to "tell me to my face" why the assault was justified, accusing the nominee of having "anger issues" and "low impulse control" that could make him unfit to lead an agency that manages the use of force.

Paul also cited Mullin's 2023 challenge to labor leader Sean O'Brien to fight during a committee hearing, suggesting "a pattern" of aggressive behavior. He drew a historical comparison to the 1856 caning of Sen. Charles Sumner, noting Mullin appeared to justify dueling between consenting adults.

Mullin disputed the characterization, claiming he said he "understood" the assault rather than "supported" it. He stated:

"I don't think anybody should be hit by surprise. As far as my terms and snake in the grass, sir, I work around this room to try to fix problems."

Paul announced after the hearing that he would vote against advancing Mullin's nomination out of committee. However, bipartisan support from senators including Democrat John Fetterman may allow the nomination to proceed despite Paul's opposition.

Republican Infighting Erupts as Mullin Faces Questions on Temperament and DHS Leadership

The three hour hearing also addressed Mullin's foreign travel claims, with senators raising accusations of stolen valor regarding unspecified "special assignments" Mullin said he participated in during his time in the House. Mullin also admitted he made a mistake calling Alex Pretti, the Minnesotan killed by immigration officers in January, a "deranged individual," and said he would scrap former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's controversial FEMA policy requiring her personal signoff for any spending request over $100,000.

The Crusader's Opinion

When Republican senators are calling each other "freaking snakes" and mocking political violence against their own colleagues, we have a serious problem. This is the party that claims to stand for law and order. If we cannot hold our own leaders to basic standards of civility and decency, how can we expect to govern a nation? Violence against a sitting senator is not a punchline. It is not something any Christian should "understand." Scripture is clear: "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." The Church and conservatives alike need leaders who build up, not tear down.

Take Action

• Contact your senator and urge them to prioritize temperament and character in confirming DHS leadership. Find your senator at senate.gov.
• Call Sen. Rand Paul's office at (202) 224 4343 to express your support for holding nominees accountable for rhetoric that condones violence.
• Pray for unity among conservative leaders and for wisdom in choosing those who will lead our national security institutions.
• Support Christian advocacy for civil discourse and principled leadership through The Shepherd's Shield.
• Share this story with your church community and discuss what it means to hold leaders to biblical standards of conduct and speech.