Foster Statement on Resolution Condemning Political Violence

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the follow statement:

"Today, I voted in favor of a resolution to condemn the act of violence that took Charlie Kirk's life-just as I did when the House unanimously condemned the attacks on Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, and their spouses.

"Charlie Kirk was murdered for his political beliefs and speech. While I deeply disagree with those beliefs and his harmful rhetoric, it is our duty to denounce political violence in the strongest possible terms. Anything less weakens our democracy.

"That is not the example being set by our nation's highest leaders. At a moment when our nation needs unity-President Trump, Vice President Vance, and other Republican leaders are spreading dangerous hate and partisan finger-pointing. Their words and actions also strike at the very foundations of our democracy and should alarm every American who values the rule of law and the safety of our political system.

"Finally, if we are to stand united against political violence, the right must confront its own record. It is rank hypocrisy to denounce one act of violence while ignoring the violence that Donald Trump has repeatedly encouraged-from his incitement on January 6th, his pardoning of cop-killers, to his early suggestion that his supporters could wield 'Second Amendment rights' against Hillary Clinton."

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