It’s a hollow thing to say “I oppose political violence” when the very words you choose are feeding the flames. After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the country is more raw and tender than usual. And in such times, leaders are supposed to walk differently. Speak differently. They’re meant to remember their power.
I know this because I’ve seen the aftermath of political violence up close. I was attacked on January 6 while defending the Capitol—a stark reminder that words don’t exist in a vacuum. They build the road to action. They supply the kindling.
