Condemn, Demand Accountability for Calls for Violence at GOP Convention

During Senator Cruz’s primetime speech at the Republican midterm convention, one that began with a mournful reference to the murder of Charlie Kirk, one of the attendees repeatedly and audibly called for prominent members of the Democratic Party to be shot. Cruz then posted a video of his remarks on social media in which this demand for violence could be heard loud and clear. This sort of savagery should be unacceptable to every American. Instead it’s being boldly proclaimed in public during a major GOP event and boosted on the Internet by GOP leaders, apparently without fear of repercussion. It’s disgusting and it’s disturbing. We have already seen a rising tide of political bloodshed during this troubled moment in our history, one that Republicans sometimes claim to be horrified and outraged by. It should go without saying that if those claims are serious, all Republican officeholders and party officials must immediately, firmly and unequivocally condemn and reject this threat. There is simply no excuse to do otherwise. Furthermore, the person responsible must be held accountable for their actions. The Republican Party should publicly identify whoever screamed that Democrats should be shot, demand an apology from them, and permanently bar them from attending party events in the future, and Republicans should demand that happen as soon as possible. You cannot claim there is no place for calls for violence in our politics while continuing to give those making them a seat in your convention hall. There have to be consequences if we are to stop speeding down this dangerous road.