Condemning Political Violence: A Statement from Fred Ryan, Director of the Center on Civility and Democracy

The politically motivated assassination in Minnesota and the attempted murder of additional elected officials were not only horrific crimes, but direct assaults on the democratic values that bind us together as Americans. This attack is the latest in a disturbing series of violent acts driven by political hatred. These incidents are not isolated – they are symptoms of a civic culture in crisis. Disagreement is inevitable in a free society, but violence is not. There must be no ambiguity: political violence has no place in the United States. In moments like these, we must reject dehumanization and find constructive ways to voice dissent. Civility is not weakness. It is the precondition for democracy.

As President Reagan said in 1984:

“Democrats and Republicans alike must be resolute in disassociating ourselves from any group or individual...whose arguments are supported only by intimidation or threats of violence. We must, and will, continue our unified rejection of such elements of hate in our political life, for while there are many issues which divide us, it is fundamental principles such as this which will always draw us together.”