Political violence is a threat to our democracy and the safety of our communities - it undermines our confidence in the democratic process and in our ability to exercise our rights to free speech and political expression.

WSC Executive Director Amy Herzfeld-Copple reflects for The Stranger on the latest anti-LGBTQ rallies in Seattle, and how inclusive communities can prepare for when national authoritarian groups come to town.

Two Minnesota lawmakers were targeted in a horrific act of political violence today. Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed. Senator John Hoffman and his wife remain in critical condition.

We mourn this devastating loss and reaffirm a simple truth: disagreement is part of democracy—violence is not.

Public service should never be met with fear or intimidation. This attack isn’t just about individuals—it’s about whether we allow violence to determine who gets to lead.