Problem Solvers Caucus members condemn political violence amid Kirk assassination
Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in the House on Tuesday released an open letter condemning political violence.
The letter, first shared with The Hill, comes in wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month, and after a House resolution honoring his life and legacy last week divided Democrats.
While Monday’s letter briefly mentions Kirk alongside other victims of political violence, the bulk of it focuses on respecting free speech and constructive debate.
“As public officials who have committed ourselves to sharing our opinions and beliefs to act together for the betterment of our nation, we believe that no one in America should fear for their safety for sharing their beliefs,” the lawmakers wrote. “Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and the right to exercise that freedom – even and especially when we disagree with what they are saying.”
The letter went on to warn against “contemptuous speech” that could lead to violence.
“We also know that words matter. In moments of disagreement and conflict, we should model robust debate and dialogue without contempt and dehumanizing language,” it continues. “Contemptuous speech increases people’s fear of each other and causes social disconnection, which can lead to violence and has no place in our deliberations as those elected to serve all citizens of our country.”
The lawmakers added, “Recognizing that communities around the nation and world have also suffered terribly from the effects of violence, America is our home. Neighbors may disagree on matters of the heart and mind, but especially in times like this, we need to turn toward each other. “
The caucus also listed a number of other Republicans and Democrats who faced political violence in recent years.
“We stand together to say that: In America, we cannot use violence against people with whom we politically disagree,” they wrote. “Not Charlie Kirk. Not Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Not Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Not Paul Pelosi. Not Representative Steve Scalise. Not Representative Gabby Giffords. Not Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Not President Donald Trump.”
Problem Solvers Caucus co-chairs Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) led the letter, as did every member of its executive board: Vice Chairs Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Ed Case (D-Hawaii) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.); and Whips Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio.)
In total, 36 members of the caucus signed the letter.
“We are Americans before we are Democrats or Republicans,” the letter reads. “We must see the inherent dignity in our fellow Americans, especially when we disagree with them. You and I might not resolve our differences, but we can work together to better understand each other.”
The caucus includes nearly 50 members of the House from both parties.