Political Violence in America
Political violence really shouldn’t happen in the U.S. Yet, in recent weeks, we’ve seen numerous violent incidents targeting vulnerable communities—from the Annunciation School shooting to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and more recently, a leaked text from Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones that suggested he wanted his political adversaries to “give him two bullets in the head.”
This disturbing trend isn’t surprising to those of us invested in supporting a pro-life safety net. Our clinic has faced multiple attacks. We’ve seen protests outside our facilities where counter-protesters not only threw feces and eggs but shouted obscenities as well.
The violence has been severe, including incendiary bombings and vandalism, which drain resources away from pro-life pregnancy centers and birthing facilities, resources that could genuinely help women and children in need.
Amid all this, our clinic began receiving threatening phone calls. We reached out to the police, who then referred us to the FBI. They provided active shooter training and recommended that we install security cameras at all our clinics and even suggested hiring security guards—though that level of protection was beyond our budget.
On July 3, 2022, our Hialeah clinic was vandalized with a spray-painted message that ominously stated, “If Abortion Isn’t Safe, You’re Not Safe,” signed by groups like “Jane’s Revenge” and “Antifa.” They damaged lights and spray-painted security cameras, resulting in repair costs exceeding $2,000. Thankfully, thanks to some volunteers, we were able to reopen the very next day. After this incident, local police provided temporary security for a few days. In September, an annual celebration at our clinic was violently disrupted, causing fear among attendees, but this time the perpetrator was arrested.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody took action, charging the vandals to deter attacks on other clinics. We also received pro bono legal support from First Liberty Institute, which filed a lawsuit in Florida. Fortunately, the entire incident was recorded on video, and eventually, three of the offenders pleaded guilty, while a fourth was found guilty by a jury and faced sentencing.
Clearly, these assaults are targeted and designed to intimidate and silence those of us providing real resources and support to women in need. Moreover, the attacks extend beyond the physical realm. Pro-abortion politicians across the country have been using the law in bad faith to shut down pro-life organizations solely because they don’t perform abortions.
While about 60% of women may have had an abortion, many express a desire for more resources and support to raise their children. Clinics like ours are essential in helping women avoid unwanted abortions and providing necessary resources for their families to thrive. This kind of life-affirming work poses a challenge to the abortion industry, which profits from the dangerous narrative that abortion is a necessity for women’s success.
Since opening in 2007, Heartbeat of Miami Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic has saved over 72,000 babies—72,000 lives that have the potential to change the world instead of enriching the abortion industry.
Currently, we operate five clinics in South Florida, each offering free ultrasounds and compassionate care around the clock. We also provide essential materials for mothers, such as diapers and baby clothes, and are part of the Abortion Pill Reversal Network. Our services also include parenting classes, women’s health resources, and counseling for abortion recovery, all in collaboration with other agencies for adoption options and housing support.
Sadly, political violence and hostility seem to be intensifying. Many pro-life advocates on the front lines understandably feel afraid or discouraged by the ongoing hostility directed at them.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But reflecting on the origins of our clinic reminds me that we must stand up to our fears with courage and hope.
As those inclined toward violence attempt to resolve conflicts, whether aimed at a politician or an unborn child, we have to hold onto our foundational values and remain brave. The hope represented by the thousands of lives saved will resonate across generations more profoundly than any act of violence or political outburst.
