Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood expressed his condolences and concern after the death of Hamas prisoners, stating, "I join America and the world in mourning the loss of the recovered hostages murdered by Hamas, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin," in a Sept. 3 Facebook post.

"I join America and the world in mourning the loss of the recovered hostages murdered by Hamas, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin," said LaHood, U.S. Representative, according to Facebook. "My prayers are with Hersh's family and friends, including those throughout Illinois. The murder of innocent hostages is a reminder of depravity of Hamas' terrorist regime. America must continue our support for Israel in their effort to return hostages and eliminate Hamas."

In his Facebook post, LaHood shared an Aug. 31 report from WGNTV. The article announced the deaths of six Israeli hostages, including Goldberg-Polin. He and his fellow hostages had been kidnapped 10 months earlier. His family issued a statement, quoted in the WGN article, confirming Goldberg-Polin’s death.

Screenshot of Congressman Darin LaHood's Sept. 3 Facebook post | Congresman Darin LaHood's Facebook page

"With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh. The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time," the family statement said.

Goldberg-Polin was laid to rest on Sept. 2, with tens of thousands coming to the cemetery in Jerusalem, according to a Sept. 2 news report from NBC5 Chicago. That report also stated that Goldberg-Polin was one of the hostages scheduled for release as part of the first phase of ceasefire negotiations that started in July.

According to an April 25 report from CNN, Hamas released a video of Goldberg-Polin in April, providing proof that although he was seriously wounded when he was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, he was alive. The undated video released by Hamas shows that Goldberg-Polin was missing part of his left arm several inches above the hand. CNN reported that he lost his hand throwing grenades out of a bunker; a woman who had been with him in the bunker said so.

Congressman LaHood has represented Illinois since 2015, initially serving in the 18th Congressional District from 2015 to 2023; following redistricting, he now represents constituents of the 16th District. His political experience includes four years in the state senate from 2011 to 2015. He also served as a state and federal prosecutor for more than nine years and worked for the US Department of Justice as an Assistant US Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada.

LaHood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School. He resides with his wife in Peoria, according to his official biography.