Today, our nation is once again confronting political violence – and once again that violence has claimed an American life. Every citizen should mourn this loss, hope for the swift recovery of those injured, and condemn this hateful act.

Patriotic Americans solve their differences at the ballot box, not with violence and gunfire. And the way to defend American democracy is with hard work and vigorous advocacy.

We should all be incredibly thankful for the quick action of law enforcement, who ensured the former president was safe and the attacker was quickly dealt with. But the death and injuries in an act of political violence are a new stain on our nation.

There is a lot we still don’t know. But what we do know is disturbing, and that goes beyond what happened last night. America’s political climate is toxic. It’s become a zero-sum war, using the language of war to describe people who have different political views.

Violent threats targeting elected officials, civil servants, election administrators and members of the media are rampant and routine, and our democracy is at risk because of it. It is completely antithetical to how our Founders designed our system, which is rooted in the idea that rigorous debate of ideas makes our country stronger. If you care to protect our nation, we all need to commit to the peaceful resolution of our differences, and call out words and deeds that threaten violence.

Thank you for reading,

Elissa

PAID FOR BY ELISSA SLOTKIN FOR MICHIGAN

P.O. Box 4145
East Lansing, MI 48826

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Elissa Slotkin served in the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense. Use of her job titles and photographs during service do not imply endorsement by the Central Intelligence Agency OR the Department of Defense.