Friends and Colleagues,

Like all of you, I was stunned to see the news of the assassination attempt on former President Trump this weekend as I returned from travel abroad.

Political violence has corresponded with the rise of nationalism in the U.S. and around the world. The Journal of Democracy has a useful resource page with recent research on the rise of political violence in the U.S. It is linked here. Consider this chart from the second article on the page.
The assassination attempt likely makes our work both more urgent and difficult. It is difficult for most public institutions, companies, and nonprofits alike that try to maintain an apolitical or bipartisan approach while doing work that affects Americans from all walks of life. So many issues and moments in America are now politicized and pulled into culture wars. Many Democrats and Republicans believe the upcoming election is, as Axios founder Mike Allen observed yesterday, an existential battle for America and humanity. Allen writes, "People don't threaten civil wars over COLA adjustments for Social Security recipients. They do it to save the nation and our species."

Below is the statement we released as an organization. The Members in Congress we support made immediate public statements as well that condemned the violence and called for unity. Some of them are below, including the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan For Country Caucus that With Honor Action works alongside. 
With Honor wishes former President Trump a full and fast recovery and condemns all forms of violence to achieve political goals. Our country is in a dangerous place. We urgently need public leaders to do more work across political divides, turn the temperature down on vitriolic, hateful rhetoric, and speak the truth.
These initial public voices are important, as are bipartisan actions. We seek to elevate and maintain them, though we recognize it may not be easy to do in the turbulent months -- if not years -- ahead. Analogies to 1938 and the risk of global conflict are, I believe, appropriate. Rep. Jake Ellzey, a Navy fighter pilot and For Country Caucus Member, spoke about this and the risk of global conflict in these remarks he made on the floor last week after returning from the Baltics.
Statement from the For Country Caucus by the Co-Chairs Rep. Crow, U.S. Army veteran and Rep. Tony Gonzales, U.S. Navy veteran:

"Political violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society. We are thankful President Trump is safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with President Trump, the victims’ families, and all those who were in attendance at the event in Butler, PA yesterday. To restore civility, our elected leaders must dial down dangerous rhetoric and seek to unite our nation. In unity lies our greatest strength."

Rep Jason Crow also appeared on Face the Nation this Sunday. This is a link to his remarks
Governor Wes Moore, veteran, U.S. Army:

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms what has happened in Pennsylvania today to President Trump. Political violence is never acceptable. Ever. This kind of cowardice must be roundly condemned by all Americans. We have to be a country that can learn to disagree without turning to political violence. I am praying for President Trump’s safety and recovery. Our nation is and must be better than this."
Rep Don Bacon, veteran, U.S. Air Force and founding Co-Chair of the For Country Caucus:

"Our nation has been rocked by this assassination attempt. While we’re thankful that President Trump is okay we are mourning for the family who lost a loved one. We’re also praying for the quick recovery of the other victims and send our thanks to the Secret Service who raced to protect President Trump, as well as law enforcement and first responders. I absolutely condemn all political violence, to include this vile attack. Furthermore, we lift this nation up in prayer that we can come together to heal and move past the hyper partisanship that weakens our nation."
Rep Jimmy Panetta, veteran, U.S. Navy and founding Co-Chair of the For Country Caucus:

"I am closely monitoring the apparent attack in Pennsylvania on former President Donald Trump. His campaign states that he is safe and secure, and I am grateful for the Secret Service and first responders for their work to ensure his safety. We pray for the former president and any other victims of the apparent attack. As a nation, we must unequivocally reject all forms of political violence."
Rep Mikie Sherrill, veteran, U.S. Navy, Vice Chair of the For Country Caucus:

"I am horrified to learn of the situation at today’s rally in Pennsylvania. I hope Donald Trump and all those attending are safe, and am grateful for law enforcement's quick response. There is no place for political violence in America."
Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks, veteran, U.S. Army, Vice Chair of the For Country Caucus:

"Tragic learning there’s one fatality and 2 injured in addition to Trump in Butler, PA. I pray for them & their families. I’m grateful for the Secret Service, LEO’s and first responders; thank you. Importantly, I absolutely condemn political violence. It is never acceptable! Solve differences at the ballot box."
Senator Mark Kelly, veteran, U.S. Navy, With Honor Action supported bipartisan veteran in the Senate:

"Gabby and I are horrified by the incident in Pennsylvania. No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand. We’re keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts."
Senator Todd Young, veteran, U.S. Marine Corps, With Honor Action supported bipartisan veteran in the Senate:

"A terrifying scene at President Trump’s event this afternoon. Praying that he and all in attendance are ok and that calm will prevail. Violence is never the answer."
Rep. Salud Carbajal, veteran, U.S. Marine Corps, Vice Chair of the For Country Caucus in the 117th Congress:

"While we await for more details on this horrifying attack, we must stand together and say with a unified voice: political violence has no place in America. Grateful for the quick actions of law enforcement today. My thoughts are with Donald Trump, his family, & all affected."
Rep. Steve Womack, veteran, U.S. Army National Guard , Member of the For Country Caucus and recipient of the With Honor Action 2023 Principles Before Politics Award:

"My prayers continue to be with President Trump and the innocent Americans who were exercising their Constitutional rights and caught in this heartbreaking act of violence. I’m grateful for the swift response of secret service. There is no place for political violence in this country."
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, veteran, U.S. Air Force, Founding Vice Chair of the For Country Caucus:

"I’m heartened to hear that it appears the former President is safe after today’s attack in PA. I want to thank the Secret Service for their quick and decisive actions. There is still a great deal that we don’t know, but what we all do know is that there is no place for violence."
Rep. Zach Nunn, veteran, U.S. Air Force, member of the For Country Caucus:

"Last night’s act of violence was horrific and has no place in our country. Now is the time for unity and helping those in need. As we pray for President Trump, the victims, & families, please consider donating to support the victims as they recover:"
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With Honor fights polarization in Congress by supporting principled veterans across party lines who pledge to service with integrity, civility, and courage. Learn more about our work at WithHonor.org 

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