Press Releases

Click here to watch Pettersen’s speech TODAY on the U.S. House floor, calling for Congress to address growing political violence 

“People are reeling with political violence on the rise – from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, act of arson at Governor Shapiro’s home, to the tragic shooting of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman,” said Pettersen. “It feels like we have lost our way as a country. Nobody should be killed for their beliefs – that is not who we are as a country. This doesn’t affect one party or one community – it impacts all of us. That’s why Congressman Veasey and I are introducing this resolution: to unequivocally condemn all acts of political violence and call on our colleagues to come together to build the future our kids deserve.”

“Political violence of any kind threatens the fabric of our democracy,” said Veasey. “As we have seen, political violence has taken the lives of people regardless of political views, gender, and race. It is not who we are as a country, and it is a very real and credible threat that threatens the foundations of America. We must stand united in condemning political violence in all its forms and get back to civility and decorum in our democratic institutions.”

Earlier this year, Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman was fatally shot by a right-wing extremist. That same man shot and wounded Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their home. Just months before that, Governor Josh Shapiro’s home was set on fire, endangering his entire family. 

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.