Last month’s shootings involving two lawmakers from Minnesota and their spouses sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting reactions from both major parties. State legislator Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband Mark were laid to rest this week, yet the news cycle has already shifted to a new tragedy.
We need to keep this story in the forefront. We can’t just wait for the next incident to happen. Political violence is simply unacceptable, and it’s crucial that we tackle this issue now, not later.
The challenges facing America are significant, and the events in Minnesota serve as a stark reminder that framing our political adversaries in a divisive manner carries real-world consequences.
There’s a palpable grief in Minnesota, and state Senator John Hoffman (D) along with his wife, Yvette, are also coping with their recovery from recent violence. It’s essential that political figures and citizens across the spectrum come together to denounce this violence and work toward practical solutions that can lower the heated rhetoric in our national dialogue.
Political violence has always been a part of American life, but the last decade has seen a troubling rise in such incidents.
In 2017, a gunman nearly took the life of Representative Steve Scalise (R-La.) at a congressional baseball practice. The following year, a man was arrested for mailing pipe bombs to high-profile Democrats. Just weeks before the 2020 election, the FBI revealed a kidnapping plot targeting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, leading to the arrest of eight people involved with paramilitary groups.
On January 6, 2021, a mob attacked the Capitol, attempting to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, resulting in serious injuries to numerous Capitol police officers.
In October 2022, Paul Pelosi was hospitalized after an intruder broke into his home, searching for then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And during the 2024 presidential campaign, there were two attempts on the life of former President Trump, alongside threats ignited by false claims regarding immigration.
Just this year, there was an arson attack on the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D), along with the assassination of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, compounded by the recent tragedy in Minneapolis.
If you really think about it, it’s clear—this kind of violence isn’t normal.
These incidents collectively send a disturbing message about our current political climate, showcasing the patterns that are becoming increasingly visible in communities nationwide: misinformation, extreme polarization, and the dangerous oppression of political dissent.
In such a chaotic political environment, there’s a growing concern for local officials. Increased threats are also being directed toward marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx individuals, immigrants, and especially the LGBTQ+ community.
Political violence can come not only from isolated individuals or extremist factions but also from those in power.
Recently, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had federal agents forcefully remove Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif) from a press conference for questioning immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles. This sends a worrying signal: dissent against government actions can be met with intimidation from armed forces.
Moreover, former President Trump’s decision to grant clemency to around 1,500 insurrectionists from January 6, many of whom were involved in violent acts, fostered an environment that can legitimize certain forms of aggression.
It’s vital to recognize that hate speech and violent rhetoric also constitute violence. These verbal threats significantly impact how individuals participate in the political process. For instance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remarked on a podcast that it was permissible for a driver to run through protesters just days before a major civil rights demonstration.
Disagreement and debate are essential in a nation rich in diversity. Despite our differences, countless Americans share a common belief: democracy should prevail over violence as a means of resolving disputes.
Positively, there’s evidence suggesting that Americans are not as divided as we might think. A recent survey shows a clear majority from across the political spectrum aligning against political violence, regardless of ideology, age, or identity. There’s a collective understanding that violence is not an appropriate tool for democracy.
To change the course, it’s imperative to hold elected officials accountable for their actions and rhetoric that promote violence. Throughout American history, progress has been achieved through peaceful means, when people organize, express their rights, participate in the democratic process, and hold the powerful accountable.
Movements for women’s voting rights, labor rights, and civil rights serve as powerful examples of the strength of collective action, despite the threats they endured. These historical moments teach us that democracy thrives when we stand together across the nation.
In our everyday lives, one effective way to combat violence is to engage with our neighbors and foster community connections. Being vigilant against misinformation is crucial in diffusing tensions.
Addressing prejudice and hate more directly is another strategy for our fight. When people target others for their identity—through threats or violence—we must all speak out.
Fortunately, we aren’t alone in this struggle. Many organizations are actively monitoring potential threats, analyzing issues, and developing strategies to respond to violence and safeguard our freedoms.
During the 2024 election, numerous local, state, and national organizations, alongside thousands of volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure voters could exercise their rights without fear. These united efforts highlight the strength found in solidarity across diverse communities.
Change begins at the local level and requires time, but there are many actions we can take individually and collectively.
Our democracy flourishes when all voices are heard. It’s up to us to reject violence of any form. Elected officials must show courage by following the example set by the majority of Americans.
Virginia Kase Solomón is CEO of Common Cause.
