What does it mean to work in politics in the midst of growing and dangerous political violence? It’s a question I am sure many of us are asking ourselves after the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk.
It feels like just yesterday (and yet only a few months ago) that I was writing about the profound impact and devastation wrought by the politically-motivated murder of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife in Minnesota. Those who step up to public service like Representative Hortman, or those who choose to advocate for their beliefs in the public sphere like Kirk, aren’t people we always agree with – but it is a fundamental truth of American democracy that they should be able to champion their causes and represent their constituents without fear of violent retribution.
Working at the Minnesota Capitol for a number of years, and now advocating for clients across the Midwest, I work with elected officials, grassroots advocates, and real, everyday people who want their voices to be heard within our political system. I also see, after the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, that this kind of political violence is bleeding more and more into the private sector and business community. I fear that this violence not only puts good people at risk but also discourages more people from taking part in a system that is meant to serve us all.
From a professional standpoint, as I work on advocacy issues, there is an ever-greater consideration of what recruiting advocates and voices in my work means for their safety. From a personal perspective, these are my colleagues, my friends, and good people trying to make a difference in the world, and they are now facing growing threats from extremists who believe violence and murder are justifiable.
It’s more important than ever that we not only stop to reflect on these heartbreaking actions but also stand together as professionals who work in this industry, because violence has no place in politics. Period.
I also think it’s critical that we reject the brazen and wrong perspective that this violence belongs to one side or the other. Liberals and Conservatives, Republicans and Democrats – they’re all being targeted for their beliefs, and it is wrong.
For professionals across public affairs and politics, these moments are tough, and they are personal. People are at the heart of the work we do, and in times like these, we must remember why our work is so important. We cannot let violence win the day.
-Chelsea Thompson, Vice President of Public Affairs