Arpaio denies anti-Semitic views

Former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio said on Thursday that he was unaware that a publication he has given multiple interviews to espoused anti-Semitic views.

“It was brought to my attention I gave interview to publication that supports antisemitism; I was unaware and don’t support that view point,” Arpaio wrote on Twitter.

It was brought to my attention I gave interview to publication that supports antisemitism; I was unaware and don’t support that view point

— Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) February 1, 2018

The Arizona Republic reported earlier this week that Arpaio has given at least five interviews to the American Free Press, a fringe publication that regularly runs conspiracy theories, including that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were a Jewish plot.

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When the Republic initially asked Arpaio about the Free Press, he said he would not criticize the publication.

Arpaio, who served as the sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz., for more than two decades before losing reelection in 2016, is currently among several Republicans running for the Senate seat held by Sen. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeGOP lawmakers stick to Trump amid new criticism Kelly holds double-digit lead over McSally in Arizona: poll Trump asserts his power over Republicans MORE (R-Ariz.), who is retiring.

He was convicted last year of criminal contempt after he disobeyed a court order to stop using racial profiling as a law enforcement tactic, but was pardoned by President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.