Biden honors Martin Luther King Jr. on 56th anniversary of his assassination

On the 56th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., President Biden issued a statement honoring the late Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and warning against a resurgence of political violence.

“Fifty-six years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died in a cause that saved the soul of our nation,” Biden said in a statement Thursday, referring to Dr. King as his “political He was called one of the heroes.

“But then there were extremists with rifles in their hands and the poison of white supremacy burning in their hearts. He shot and killed a great American who loved him deeply and will not always love him back,” Biden said. “Dr. King and generations of foot soldiers, both known and unknown, embody the patriotism that continues to inspire generations of Americans, including myself.”

Biden warned against a resurgence of political violence, saying it must be universally condemned and widely taught to never happen again.

“But in this day and time, we should all remember another important lesson about Dr. King’s life and work: All Americans, regardless of political party or background, should We should be able to reject political violence and hate-motivated violence in any form,” Biden said. “We must condemn it, not condone it. We must confront it, not gloss over it. As we do, we must denounce it. We must confront it, not gloss over it. We must teach history and make history, not erase it. We must choose community over chaos.”

Concerns about political violence have increased in recent years, particularly since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol that left multiple people dead.

In a December poll, 83% of Americans said they were concerned about political violence. On Wednesday, a new poll revealed that more than 20 percent of Americans believe violence may be necessary to secure political ends in 2024.

Mr. Biden also noted Mr. King’s influence on his life, noting that after Mr. King’s assassination, Mr. Biden left his prestigious law firm to become a public servant.

“Since then, we’ve seen push and pull, progress and setbacks on everything he’s stood for, from voting rights to jobs to justice for all Americans,” Biden said. “I am honored to serve as vice president to the first black president and now to the first female vice president. We look forward to continuing his vision of a beloved community. I’m here.”