Trump's divisive rhetoric and lies have grave consequences

This shooting is a horrific tragedy, and those involved must be held fully accountable. However, the apparent political motivations underscore the grave dangers of divisive rhetoric and disinformation being spread. Elected officials have a responsibility to unite people, not drive them apart with inflammatory falsehoods. We urge you to forcefully condemn not just the violence itself, but also the corrosive lies and hate speech that can radicalize individuals to commit such acts. Our democracy depends on leaders who promote truth, civil discourse and bringing people together - not ripping them apart with inflammatory rhetoric for political gain. The families of the victims deserve justice, but they also deserve an unequivocal stand against the toxic speech that appears to have motivated this attack.