July 14, 2024
Yesterday was a dark day for our nation as we watched an assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.
I’m heartbroken that an innocent American was killed at this rally with others critically injured. My prayers are with their families during this incredibly challenging time. I also want to thank the Secret Service agents and local law enforcement officers who took out the perpetrator and put themselves in harm’s way to protect President Trump and the rally attendees.
The life of our former President, the Republican presidential candidate, was nearly extinguished at the hands of a coward. This was an act of domestic terrorism — it’s an attack on our democracy and our freedom. It will forever be a stain on our history.
We are better than this. While we have spirited debates about the best way to guide our country forward, Americans have always recognized that political violence is never the answer. Healing from this also means turning down the temperature on rhetoric that dehumanizes someone for their political beliefs. One thing is sure, President Trump shares the love for our nation that many, many Americans share. But we so easily find ourselves divided along political lines. This division is the real threat to our country, and the path forward lies in unity.
Former First Lady Melania Trump said this in her statement, “A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband’s life – his human side – were buried below the political machine.” This underscores that the hyperbolic rhetoric demonizing President Trump as a threat to America needs to stop.
I firmly believe there is more good than bad in our nation and that peace will always prevail. Many Americans don’t often see the bipartisan work we do in Congress—in fact, the vast majority of bills I’ve introduced have support from some common-sense Democrats in Congress. Take a moment to watch one of our Rules Committee meetings, and you’ll see what I mean. While we often disagree, there are many things we can agree on, and our conversations are always collegial because we share the same goal: to make life better for the American people.
Hate and violence will never have a place in American politics. Our democracy depends on civil discourse, and we will always get more done when we work together. To those who do seek to spread fear and hatred, know this: You will not succeed. America has faced dark days like this before — and we will emerge stronger.
Our nation’s best days still lie ahead. God bless America
