I have been reflecting on the rising violence in our country — most recently the shocking act of political violence in Utah yesterday followed hours later by yet another horrific school shooting in Colorado. These events come on top of the persistent gun violence nationwide and the constant threats that weigh on so many of us.
This rising tide of political and gun violence threatens not only individual lives, but the very fabric of our society. Like many of you, I feel anger, sorrow, and worry. It feels like a fragile time, and I do not claim to have all the answers.
These acts of violence are not just attacks on a single person or community — they are attacks on all of us. What we are witnessing goes far beyond isolated incidents. In recent years, we’ve seen shocking acts such as the storming of the Capitol, an attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, multiple assassination attempts on President Trump, and the assassinations of public servants like Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
Even as I write this, news is breaking of lockdowns at several HBCUs nationwide due to suspected threats. These events are a stark reminder: this is not normal, and it is not okay.
Right now, inflammatory rhetoric from some national leaders is turning up the temperature instead of bringing it down. Threats against Democratic-led cities like ours, the demonization of immigrants, and the pointing of fingers in the aftermath of terrible tragedies only deepen fear and division. At a time when we desperately need leadership and unity, we are instead being fed fear and hate.
We cannot let fear dictate our actions. We cannot allow anger, hatred, or division to erode the bonds that hold us together. It is on all of us as neighbors, friends, and leaders to reject the politics of division, choose humanity over hostility, and remember that we can disagree without dehumanizing one another.
I also know that words alone are not enough. That is why I am committed to pushing for common-sense gun safety measures, investing in community violence prevention programs, and ensuring our schools and neighborhoods are safe for everyone. We must take concrete steps to protect our communities while fostering understanding and unity.
My faith and my commitment to our shared humanity teach me to love my neighbor — not just those who look like me, talk like me, or vote like me, but every person, everywhere. It calls me to recognize our shared humanity, even when the world around us seems intent on tearing us apart.
Today, I am reminded of the words of Robert F. Kennedy, spoken to a crowd gathered in Indianapolis immediately in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Let us replace the violence and the stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.”
Then, as now, these words remind us that we are called to act with compassion, to seek understanding, and to affirm our shared humanity. This is especially true even in our darkest of hours.
Let us speak up for civility, engage in dialogue rather than harm, and work toward communities where safety, respect, and compassion are the norm. I am keeping the victims of violence in my prayers, and I hope you will join me in refusing to be driven by fear, standing up for our shared humanity, and building a country that honors life, dignity, and love.
Shontel M. Brown
Member of Congress
