Pascrell, Menendez, and Booker Ask Secret Service Why North Jersey Mayor Denied Entry into the White House

PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), and U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) have formally asked the United States Secret Service and the Biden administration for an explanation of why longtime Prospect Park, New Jersey Mayor Mohamed Khairullah was denied entry to the White House on the evening of May 1. The Mayor had planned to attend a reception marking an end to Ramadan.

“We ask for you to provide our offices with information in a format and classification level that facilitates a detailed explanation of what occurred and why. We also urge you to provide Mayor Khairullah with the substantive reasons he was denied admission, and urge you to initiate a review of Mayor Khairullah’s status so that in the future he may be able to attend events and represent his constituents at the People’s House,” the New Jersey members write the head of the Secret Service and the White House Social Secretary.

The complete text of the letter is below.

May 2, 2023

Ms. Kimberly Cheatle, Director

United States Secret Service

950 H Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20223

Mr. Carlos Elizondo

Deputy Assistant to the President and Social Secretary

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20003

Dear Director Cheatle and Mr. Elizondo:

We write regarding a recent incident at the White House where Prospect Park, New Jersey Mayor Mohamed Khairullah was denied entrance into a White House ceremony with President Biden marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. We understand that Mayor Khairullah received a call shortly before he was set to arrive for the Eid-al-Fitr celebration, notifying him that he was not granted access to the buildings to attend the event. We ask for you to provide our offices with information in a format and classification level that facilitates a detailed explanation of what occurred and why. We also urge you to provide Mayor Khairullah with the substantive reasons he was denied admission, and urge you to initiate a review of Mayor Khairullah’s status so that in the future he may be able to attend events and represent his constituents at the People’s House.

Mayor Khairullah is a devoted public servant, close friend and the longest-serving Muslim mayor in New Jersey, proudly serving his community for over 17 years. As a former volunteer firefighter, Mayor Khairullah has continuously demonstrated dedication to public safety. The son of immigrants, we know Mayor Khairullah’s patriotism and public service is shaped by his upbringing and values that are molded by his commitment to help others.

We have long appreciated the work of the Biden administration to erase xenophobic policies of the past and turn a new chapter for America. Thank you very much for your time and attention to our request.

Sincerely,

CC: Louisa Terrell, Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs