Scanlon Joins Colleagues on Resolution Condemning All Forms of Political Violence

Scanlon Joins Colleagues on Resolution Condemning All Forms of Political Violence

Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today joined more than 100 of her colleagues in introducing a resolutioncalling on Congress to condemn all forms of political violence and to reject forms of rhetoric that demonize political opponents regardless of political ideology. The call to action, led by Reps. Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), comes amid the appalling increase of political violence over the past decade, including the recent assassination of political figure Charlie Kirk.

Recent years have seen an alarming rise in politically motivated threats and attacks against public officials, candidates, and community leaders across the political spectrum. From assassination attempts targeting Presidents, Governors, Members of Congress, and state officials, to horrific murders and violent plots against public figures, these actions undermine not only the safety of individuals but also the legitimacy and integrity of our democracy.

"This summer, a terrifying increase in horrific, politically-motivated assassinations has shaken our nation - first of a Democratic legislator and her family in Minnesota, now of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university," said Rep. Scanlon. "What we are witnessing goes far beyond isolated acts on individuals. These attacks seek to tear at the fabric of American society. To move forward, we need every political figure to choose humanity over hostility. We don't have to agree on everything, but we must all agree that political violence of any kind is unacceptable."

This resolution makes clear that:

• Violence and threats of violence have no rightful place in American politics.

• Disputes must be resolved through lawful, peaceful, democratic means.

• Leaders and media alike must reject rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents and instead foster civil discourse.

• Law enforcement must thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those who commit or incite political violence.

• All officials-regardless of party or ideology-deserve safety, dignity, and respect.

Find the full resolution hereand below.

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RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives condemning all forms of political violence and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes or demonizes political opponents.

Whereas democracy depends upon the peaceful contest of ideas, not intimidation, violence, or assassination;

Whereas acts of political violence and threats against elected officials, candidates, and public figures undermine the safety of those who serve, the trust of the governed, and the integrity of democratic institutions;

Whereas, in September 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirkwas assassinated by gunfire during a speaking event in Orem, Utah, in a horrifying attack authorities have described as politically motivated;

Whereas, in June 2025, multiple Minnesota legislators and their families were targeted in coordinated shootings, including the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortmanand her husband Mark Hortman, and the attempted assassinations of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman;

Whereas, in April 2025, arsonist Cody Balmer threw Molotov cocktails into the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, setting fire to the building;

Whereas, in July 2024, an armed individual attempted the assassination of President Donald J. Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in death and injury, followed by a second attempt in 2025 at his golf club in Florida;

Whereas, in October 2022, Paul Pelosi, husband of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was brutally attacked in his home by an assailant seeking to harm the Speaker;

Whereas, on June 8, 2022, an armed individual was arrested near the Maryland home of Supreme CourtJustice Brett Kavanaughafter traveling from California with the stated intent to assassinate him;

Whereas, on January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked by a violent mob seeking to disrupt the certification of the Presidential election, resulting in deaths, injuries, and threats to the safety of Members of Congress, staff, and law enforcement officers;

Whereas, in 2020, members of a paramilitary militia group plotted to kidnap and assassinate Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer;

Whereas such events demonstrate an escalating pattern of politically motivated violence across the country, targeting leaders and public figures across the political spectrum;

Whereas Members of Congress and other public officials have increasingly faced death threats, harassment, and intimidation aimed at silencing them or deterring them from

fulfilling their representative responsibilities; and

Whereas such violence or threats, whether carried out or attempted, strike at the heart of representative democracy, impede free speech, chill civic engagement, and endanger the legitimacy and functioning of government, including the House of Representatives: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the House of Representatives -

1. Condemns all forms of political violence, including assassination and attempted assassination of public officials, candidates, and public figures, regardless of political party or ideology;
2. Affirms that violence and threats have no place in the political arena and that all political disputes must be resolved through lawful, peaceful, democratic means;
3. Reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and respect for all Members of Congress, State legislators, elected officials, and other public servants;
4. Urges law enforcement authorities at all levels to thoroughly investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who commit or incite political violence;
5. Commends law enforcement and all public officials who work to respond to such violence;
6. Calls on all public officials, community leaders, and media to reject rhetoric that dehumanizes or demonizes opponents and to foster civil discourse; and
7. Declares that threats or acts of violence against officials or public figures degrade the dignity, safety, and integrity of the House of Representatives and of democratic institutions more broadly.