Rep. Waltz cautions Bill Gates: Prepare for counterterrorism sanctions.

Congressman Warns Bill Gates of Potential Counterterrorism Sanctions

Congressman Mike Waltz (R-FL), a former‍ Green Beret, ⁢recently sent a letter to financial titan Bill Gates, raising concerns about his potential exposure to counterterrorism sanctions. The reason behind this warning is ⁢Gates’ primary ownership of the Four Seasons Hotel chain, which ‌has​ reportedly housed Hamas terrorists.

Waltz highlighted that ⁣Cascade Investments,⁢ an assets management firm founded ​and owned by Gates, acquired a controlling stake in Four Seasons ⁤Hotel and Resorts.‌ This control⁤ was further⁤ increased‍ in 2021 through the purchase of additional shares, giving Cascade majority control of the company.

The congressman pointed out that senior ​Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal held a press conference at the Four Seasons in Doha, Qatar, back in 2015. Additionally, Meshaal reportedly had a closed-door meeting⁢ with then-Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu at the same hotel in 2016. There have been allegations of other Hamas members staying at the hotel, including during and after ⁣the recent terrorist attack in Israel, which ​resulted in numerous casualties.

It is important to note⁣ that Hamas has been designated a ⁢Foreign Terrorist Organization by‍ the U.S., and‍ providing material support to the group can lead to severe legal penalties, including life imprisonment.

Waltz’s Letter to Gates

As⁢ the founder and ⁤owner ⁢of Cascade Investment, L.L.C, which holds a controlling stake in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,‍ I am writing to you with a dual purpose. Firstly, to warn you about the potential counterterrorism sanctions that you and your employees may face. Secondly, to request that you take a personal stand⁣ against Hamas by publicly pledging to ban the group from using any properties owned by you, including the⁣ Four Seasons.

According to news reports, ‌Hamas personnel have utilized the Four Seasons in Doha for official Hamas-linked⁤ events in the past. For instance, a ⁢press conference by senior Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal took place there in 2015. Furthermore, Meshaal reportedly met with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet‍ Davutoğlu at the Four Seasons in Doha in 2016. There have been⁢ alleged stays by other ​Hamas members, including during and after the recent devastating terrorist attack in Israel, which resulted in numerous casualties.

It ‍is worth noting that Hamas has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) since 1997. This designation carries significant penalties, including life imprisonment, for any U.S. persons providing material support to the group.

Moreover, engaging in terrorist activities, such as providing material support, can lead to a broad exclusion from the United States⁤ for⁢ non-U.S. persons. Names ​involved in such activities can be⁣ added ​to the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE),​ which is the U.S. government’s central repository​ on international terrorist activity. These names are then shared with various watchlists, including the Transportation Security Administration’s “Do Not Fly” list and⁢ the State Department’s visa database. U.S. persons can also be added to TIDE. While ⁤exemptions can be issued by the ⁣Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security, ⁢these exemptions can be reversed by future administrations.

In the ⁤case of the Hamas FTO, this directly concerns you, your employees, and your companies. ​Cascade Investment reportedly acquired a ⁣significant stake in Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, giving it majority control of the company.

I urge you to ensure that neither your companies, nor your employees, nor yourself are‌ providing any form of⁤ material support to Hamas or any other FTO. The government’s affirmative finding may not be immediately communicated, but it could be‍ revealed through an indictment, a future refusal of entry at a⁤ U.S. port, or other actions. I strongly advise you to share this knowledge with the staff of Cascade Investment, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and your Four Seasons ⁢hotel in Doha.

Furthermore,⁤ I express concern about your silence regarding the appalling massacre of Israelis that occurred recently. This silence is particularly perplexing considering your focus ‍on humanitarian causes and could potentially result in significant reputational damage. I urge you and your companies to issue a statement on behalf of the ⁣people of Israel and ‍pledge to prevent any future use of the Four Seasons by Hamas.

How can individuals in positions of influence and power contribute ‍to the global fight against terrorism

N activities or transactions with ‍designated terrorist organizations can also‍ lead to severe legal consequences, including the ‌imposition of‍ economic sanctions by the U.S. government. ⁣As an individual who holds majority control over Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,⁣ it ⁢is crucial that you are aware of the potential risks⁣ involved in your business dealings.

I urge‍ you to take immediate action to address this issue‌ and demonstrate​ your commitment to counterterrorism efforts. I ⁤request that you publicly pledge to ban Hamas and any other designated ​terrorist organizations from ​using your properties, including the ​Four Seasons hotels. By doing so, you will not only safeguard your own reputation and legal standing but also contribute to the global fight ‌against terrorism.

It is⁢ essential that businesses ⁣and individuals in positions of influence​ and power take concrete‍ steps to prevent ⁢the misuse ⁤of their resources by terrorist organizations. Your ownership‍ and control⁢ of Cascade ⁣Investments and Four Seasons Hotels and ‌Resorts provide you ‌with‍ the means to make a significant ⁢impact in this​ regard.

I trust⁤ that⁢ you will give due consideration to the gravity of this matter and⁣ take appropriate actions to ensure that your properties ⁢are not⁣ being used for activities that support ⁤or promote ⁣terrorism. The stakes are high,⁢ not⁣ only for your‌ own personal⁤ and professional interests⁤ but also‌ for the ⁤security ⁤and well-being of innocent individuals ‍who may be⁣ affected‌ by the actions of designated terrorist organizations.

Thank you for ⁢your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Mike Waltz

Congressman Mike⁤ Waltz’s ⁣letter to Bill Gates raises important concerns about the potential exposure to counterterrorism sanctions faced by the financial titan. ‌The ownership of the Four Seasons Hotel chain, ⁢primarily by Gates through Cascade Investments, raises red flags due⁤ to reports⁤ of Hamas terrorists utilizing the hotel’s facilities. These ⁤reports include a 2015 press conference by senior Hamas leader ‍Khaled ‍Meshaal and a closed-door meeting with⁢ the Turkish Prime Minister at the Four Seasons‍ in ‍2016. There ⁢have⁣ also been allegations of other Hamas members staying at the hotel during‍ and after a recent devastating terrorist ‌attack‌ in Israel. As Hamas is ⁢designated ​a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the⁢ U.S., providing ⁢material support to the group can result in severe legal penalties.

In his letter,‌ Congressman Waltz ⁢not only⁣ warns Gates ⁢about the potential⁣ counterterrorism sanctions but also requests ⁤that he publicly pledge to ban Hamas and ⁤other designated ⁢terrorist organizations from using any properties owned by him, including the Four Seasons hotels. Waltz emphasizes the importance ‌of taking a personal ‌stand against terrorism⁤ and⁣ contributing to global counterterrorism efforts. He highlights ‍the ​significant penalties⁢ and consequences associated⁤ with ‌engaging in activities or transactions⁣ with⁣ designated terrorist organizations. Waltz urges Gates to take immediate action ‍to prevent the misuse of⁣ his ⁢resources by terrorist organizations and calls upon individuals in positions of influence ‍and power to play their‍ part in the fight against terrorism.

The seriousness of this matter cannot be understated. It ⁤is essential for individuals and businesses⁤ to understand the potential risks and consequences associated with their dealings, particularly when it comes to‍ organizations involved in terrorism. The letter⁤ from ‌Congressman Waltz serves​ as a⁤ reminder of the​ importance of ⁣vigilance and ⁢responsibility in preventing the support and promotion of terrorism. By addressing these concerns and taking concrete steps, Gates can protect his own interests, uphold his reputation, ⁢and contribute to ​the global security and well-being of innocent individuals affected​ by designated terrorist organizations.

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