Dangerous Political Rhetoric Could Incite Violence
(WASHINGTON) – Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson regarding inciteful rhetoric on the campaign trail, the growth in antigovernment militia groups, and possibility of violence.
In the letter, Congressman Thompson states:
“Members of militia groups and ‘sovereign citizens’ report feeling a sense of legitimization from political rhetoric of Republican Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump’s campaign. Further, the rhetoric from the Republican Presidential nominee, including statements made as recently as last night that the election is ‘rigged’ and that he will not say whether he will accept the results of the election in the event he loses, further risks fueling these extremist groups. Militia groups are already mobilizing to recruit new members based on the possibility of a Trump loss and some Trump supporters have begun raising the possibility of a civil war or race war in the event Trump is defeated.”
“The rhetoric and propaganda spewed throughout this election season have the ability to empower and embolden individuals to commit acts of terror…There is no place for interference with the electoral process and the will of the American people should be respected.”
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