WSC Statement on Political Violence

Political violence has no place in a democracy.   

In response to the disturbing news of the 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 a democratic society. We call on our national leaders to ensure a full investigation of the attack and accountability.  

This attack comes in the wake of years of rising threats, intimidation, and violence in our political process, largely driven by groups promoting organized bigotry. Violence and intimidation are never acceptable, whether they target a candidate or elected official, threaten a community leader based on bigotry, or risk the lives of young people in schools. 

The attempted assassination of a political leader has created a moment of crisis in our democracy that already faces many threats. But in moments of crisis, we can also find opportunity. While there is the risk of this moment leading to an escalation in violence, there is also the opportunity for our communities to reach across lines of difference to broadly reject bigotry and violence and affirm our shared values. We can decide to move together toward strengthening our democracy rather than undermining it. Leaders at all levels must reject political violence and support non-violent engagement in democratic processes to create political change. 

Western States Center has been closely monitoring details about the motive of this incident, and while much remains unknown, conspiracy theories and calls for violent retribution are already spreading across social media. What we do know is that an increase in violent rhetoric by elected officials has had a direct impact on real-world violence in recent years, from El Paso and Buffalo to the home of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  

The risks posed by mis- and disinformation are incredibly high right now, and each of us has a role in rejecting their spread in our online and offline communities. Western States Center has been convening calls with regional and national partners, supporting local rapid response, and engaging with leaders to support them in denouncing political violence and calming the spread of disinformation in their communities.  

We also know from our years of work countering white nationalism that the communities most frequently scapegoated by conspiracy theories and targeted during times of fear and uncertainty are those most in need of support. We are closely monitoring the reactions and rhetoric of bigoted and anti-democracy groups, and elevating potential targeting to local partners. 

We are heartened to see national and local leaders condemning this violent event. We wholeheartedly believe that violence and violent rhetoric, whether from prominent political figures or vigilantes, must never be allowed to deter our communities from engaging in the democratic process, nonviolent civil protest, resisting authoritarianism and working toward a more inclusive democracy.