📣 Michael Radtke for Sterling Heights City Council

📣Kiley Jackson for Muskegon City Commission

Our democracy only works when people can participate freely and safely. No matter your party or ideology, violence is never the answer.

We are alarmed by reports that the 19-year-old suspect intended to “send a message against the corruption.” While everyone has the right to express frustration or dissent, resorting to violence to make a political point is unacceptable.

Political disagreement must never turn into political violence — it is on all of us to ensure it does not.

We are deeply alarmed by reports that members of Michigan’s congressional delegation and other elected officials were named in notes left by the suspect. Public servants must be able to do their jobs free from the threat of violence.

Young Democrats of Michigan stands in solidarity with Senator Padilla, Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and with every person who speaks up in the face of this autocracy. We will continue organizing, protesting, and standing up — because the future of our democracy hangs in the balance.

This incident comes amid Trump’s unlawful deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles without consent from state officials and his threatening to arrest leaders who challenge him.