1. United States
2. Letter

A Call for Compassionate Leadership Honor All Victims of Political Violence After the political assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk at a Utah college event , you demonstrated that principled conservatives honor fallen heroes with dignity. Now, a greater test awaits: showing that our movement values all American lives by honoring victims of political violence across party lines. For millions of Americans, this test will reveal if we truly stand for all families, not just our own. Recent tragedies across the aisle underscore this necessity. In June 2025, Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered by a politically motivated gunman . Their children urged Americans to honor them by planting trees and sharing “cheesy dad jokes” – simple gestures that transcend politics . Likewise, Paul Pelosi, 82, was brutally attacked in his home and suffered a skull fracture . Instead of empathy, some on our side responded with crude jokes and conspiracy theories , handing Democrats fresh ammunition. Compassion in Times of Crisis Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden announced he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones . This personal health battle is one many American families confront, and Jill Biden’s words that “we are strongest in the broken places” resonated nationwide . Though we oppose his policies, compassion calls on us to wish him strength during treatment. After all, defeating someone politically does not require celebrating their illness or potential death. Concrete Actions for Compassion To reclaim the moral high ground, take action to honor all victims of political violence: • Issue a presidential statement mourning the Hortmans and other victims of political attacks, reaffirming that American families deserve safety regardless of affiliation. • Establish a bipartisan support fund or memorial for those affected by political violence, providing assistance to families irrespective of ideology. • Mobilize conservative leaders to immediately condemn any celebratory or hateful comments by fringe voices, emphasizing that true conservative values cherish life and family and that such reactions “do not represent us.” By demonstrating this strategic compassion, we neutralize attacks about conservative callousness and appeal to moderates who value decency. More importantly, we prove that conservative principles—protecting the innocent and upholding human dignity—apply universally, not just when convenient. In the long run, moral leadership beyond politics will be remembered and respected far more than narrow victories.