Western States Center Statement on Rising Political Violence, Second Assassination Attempt Against Donald Trump

Statement from Amy Herzfeld-Copple, executive director of Western States Center 

Political violence has no place in a democracy.   

As we once again respond to the disturbing news of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, it is crucial to express a firm and unwavering condemnation of all acts of violence. Such reprehensible actions not only threaten the safety and security of individuals but also undermine the foundational values of an inclusive democracy. We call on our national leaders to ensure a full investigation of the threat and accountability.  

This attack, the second in only a few months, comes in the wake of years of rising threats, intimidation, and violence in our political process and civic institutions, largely driven by groups promoting organized bigotry, exploiting fear and division, spreading conspiracies and seeking to undermine democracy. 

Let's be clear: violence and intimidation are never acceptable, whether they target a candidate or elected official, threaten a community leader based on bigotry, risk the lives of young people in schools and workers at hospitals and government agencies, or terrorize immigrant families in Springfield, OH.