We mourn the tragedy that occurred today as gunfire erupted at former President Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania, leaving two people dead, including the shooter and one attendee. Our thoughts are with the former President and his family at this time and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event.
Humanity United strongly condemns politically motivated violence. We know that in highly polarized settings such as the current election cycle, violence can spiral out of control. We have learned from multiple conflict settings around the world that once violence breaks out — and is normalized — it is difficult to turn back.
Violent rhetoric has become increasingly common and inflammatory in this election cycle, and today’s event signals that our society and political climate are moving from rhetorical violence to actual violence.
Violence has no place in a democratic system, which is designed to manage conflict through policy and tough election contests rather than through bullets. We urge all political parties, candidates, and citizens to renounce violence.