Political violence universally condemned
By Alan Wooten
The Center Square
Three assassination attempts in two years, two impeachments since 2019, and four indictments with 34 convictions on 88 criminal counts – all against President Donald Trump.
Arguably the most mercurial and lightning rod Republican in generations, even the most highly elected Democrats of North Carolina have pushed back on political violence that has revolved around him. Trump survived the latest assassination attempt on Saturday evening in Washington when security stopped a California teacher breaching security many in attendance say was not strong.
First-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein said political violence is “absolutely unacceptable and has no place in America” in his condemnation.
Republican supporters of the president, including U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, said the Secret Service’s swift action was fortuitous and called for calmer voices amid political parties in disagreements. Reps. Tim Moore and Brad Knott in the House echoed similar refrains.
Only Rep. Alma Adams among the state’s four Democrats in the Beltway did not disseminate public comments on what happened at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
“I am horrified,” Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C., wrote in part on social media. “Political violence has no place in America. I’m grateful for the swift action from law enforcement and the Secret Service. I’m praying for all those who were there.”
Ross has been among the most vocal and staunch opponents of Trump.
Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., represents a congressional district that has been reconfigured in the domino effect of Trump in 2025 asking Texas Republicans to redraw congressional maps.
“Gratefully,” he wrote on social media, “the president, colleagues, and everyone attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe, thanks to the quick and decisive actions of the Secret Service and law enforcement community. On a night meant to honor freedom of speech, there’s absolutely no room for political violence, here or anywhere.”
And Rep. Valerie Foushee, D-N.C., wrote, “I am wishing a speedy recovery to the Secret Service agent who was injured at the White House Correspondents' Dinner this weekend, and am relieved that the attendees are safe. Political violence in all forms has no place in our society.”
Notably, the Secret Service praises come as its personnel go without pay. The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after a Jan. 30 deadline was not met and an extension was given, impacting thousands of workers in the different agencies of Homeland Security. Tuesday marked 74 days.
For context between the politicians’ polar opposite blame, Democrats have demands for reforms on immigration enforcement, a desire to separate agencies within Homeland Security, and accountability. Republicans believe the department as constructed for cohesive consideration of national threats does not need changing, and the House of Representatives has already passed bipartisan funding that isn’t able to get past Senate Democrats.