When Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) speaks of political violence, he knows that he is talking about — he’s experienced it firsthand.
Shapiro said now is the time to “turn the tide” on political violence following the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk last week, per The Hill.
Shapiro was speaking at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit on Tuesday.
“Leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity – and as I have made clear each and every time, this type of violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it, who pulls the trigger, who throws the Molotov cocktail, or who wields the weapon,” Shapiro said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s coming from one side or the other, directed at one,” Shapiro said
No form of political violence is acceptable, the governor said, according to NewsNation.
“Violence in all forms is unacceptable. Political violence is particularly dangerous. Not only does it seek to injure, maim or kill, it seeks to intimidate and terrorize and silence,” he said.
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Shapiro said political leaders — including the president — should stop selectively condemning political violence.
“It is all wrong, and it makes us all less safe,” Shapiro said. “That is dangerous for our democracy, and we need to turn the tide.”
Shapiro experienced political violence himself earlier this year during an arson attack at the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg on Passover.
“Not only was my safety threatened, but my wife, our children, members of our extended family were all at risk,” Shapiro said. “I thank God every day that we were able to evacuate safely.”
He said while no one was physically injured the attack has left “emotional scars,” The Hill reported.
The work continues, he said.
“I’m here to tell you I will not be deterred in my work on behalf of the good people of Pennsylvania. And I sure as heck won’t be silenced,” Shapiro said.
Kirk, 31, was shot while talking at Utah Valley University.
There have been other acts of political violence, including the shooting of two Minnesota legislators earlier this year, the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump, and the shooting death of the United Healthcare CEO last year.
While both Republicans and Democrats have condemned the shooting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance have blamed “radical leftists.”
Vance said “people on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence” on Tuesday as he guest hosted an episode of the “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
Trump said he will investigate left leaning groups in connection with Kirk’s shooting.
