Congressman honors ISIS victim Kayla Mueller 10 years after her death with a 'Beacon of selflessness' tribute.

Arizona Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh was sworn into the U.S. House on Friday and disclosed to Planet Chronicle Digital that he used the family's Bible of ISIS victim Kayla Mueller during the ceremony in Washington, D.C.

"In 2021, it will be 10 years since the tragic death of Kayla Mueller, an icon of selflessness and bravery whose legacy continues to motivate Americans nationwide. Kayla's parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller, have endured the unbearable pain of losing their daughter and have faced years of uncertainty regarding her fate. Their unwavering fortitude and tenacity serve as the bedrock of Kayla's remarkable spirit, as stated by Hamadeh to Planet Chronicle Digital."

In 2013, a humanitarian worker from Arizona, Mueller, was kidnapped by terrorists while leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo, Syria. She was held captive for 18 months and is believed to have been repeatedly tortured and raped by ISIS militants, including then-ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Mueller was killed in February 2015.

In 2019, al-Baghdadi was killed in a military mission carried out by President-elect Trump, and Mueller's parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller, praised the move and spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

"The Obama administration never gave us empathy, but the Trump team did. If Donald Trump had been president when Kayla was captive, she would be here today," Carl Mueller said.

In his comment to Fox Digital, Hamadeh referenced the Muellers' 2020 RNC address, reflecting on the young woman's mother reading a letter her daughter wrote while imprisoned, which stated, "I have been shown in darkness light and have learned that even in prison, one can be free."

Hamadeh remarked, "Kayla's unwavering faith and resilience were a testament to the values instilled by her exceptional parents in the face of such horror."

"I am deeply honored to fulfill my promise to the Muellers and the American people as I take the oath of office using Kayla's family Bible. This Bible serves as a testament to her unwavering belief in light over darkness and freedom over oppression," he continued.

Hamadeh, a 33-year-old Army veteran and former Maricopa County prosecutor, won his election to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District during the 2024 cycle. The Trump-backed candidate, who is the son of Syrian immigrants, joined Planet Chronicle Digital in November for his first interview since winning the election, where he celebrated the GOP's successes nationwide and previewed his top priorities.

Election integrity, border security, and increasing energy independence are my top priorities, as they are crucial for maintaining a republic and reducing inflation, according to Hamadeh.

"Hamadeh stated that Trump has a mandate from the American people, as the last time a Republican won the popular vote and Electoral College was in 2004 with an incumbent president, President George W. Bush. This was a historic mandate, as the last time it was a non-incumbent was in 1988 under George H.W. Bush, who was still at least the VP at the time. Hamadeh pledged to support Trump in Congress and make sure that the country is changed around quickly."

Hamadeh pledged to honor Kayla Mueller's legacy as he embarks on his Congressional duties.

Kayla's memory inspires us to live with purpose and courage, and I will honor her legacy by fighting for the freedoms and values she cherished. I am grateful to Carl and Marsha Mueller for entrusting me with this sacred mission and for their unwavering faith in our country's ability to uphold the principles Kayla embodied.

A truck plowed through crowds of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year's Day, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and injuries to dozens of others. Following this tragic event, Hamadeh's swearing-in ceremony will take place.

The suspect was "inspired" by ISIS, but it is believed that he acted alone in carrying out the attack, as confirmed by authorities who found an ISIS flag in his car.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.