Washington, D.C. – In a strong denouncement of political violence, President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign urged Americans to reject violent tactics during the current campaign cycle. This call comes in response to comments made by Biden’s Republican opponent and former President Donald Trump, who has been criticized for promoting violence in his campaign efforts.
During a press conference, former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges, and Biden-Harris Communications Director Michael Tyler emphasized the importance of rejecting violence in politics. Tyler expressed concern over the normalization of political violence in today’s discourse, citing Trump’s use of violent imagery in his campaigning as a troubling example.
Trump’s campaign has drawn criticism for recycling themes from his previous presidential bid, which culminated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Recent social media posts by Trump depicting Biden in a disrespectful and violent manner have further fueled concerns about the use of violence for political gain.
As Trump prepares to campaign in Michigan and Wisconsin, the press conference held at the Democratic National Committee building underscored the urgent need to address Trump’s rhetoric and its potential impact on public safety. Gonell condemned Trump’s praise for individuals involved in the Capitol attack, labeling his failure to denounce violence as a betrayal of law enforcement officers who risked their lives that day.
Hodges echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dangers of political violence incited by Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. The officers stressed the need for accountability and denounced Trump’s inconsistent stance on law enforcement, especially in light of the deadly consequences of the Capitol insurrection.
The discussion also touched on the tragic deaths of officers Brian Sicknick and Jeffrey Smith following the Capitol attack. While Sicknick’s death was attributed to natural causes, Smith’s passing was classified as in the line of duty by the Department of Justice. The officers’ sacrifices further underscored the importance of addressing and condemning political violence in all its forms.
Amid ongoing efforts to rewrite and downplay the events of January 6, Gonell emphasized the need to confront the reality of that day’s violence and its lasting impact. He rejected attempts to minimize the severity of the attack, reminding the public of the chaos and fear that engulfed the Capitol as law enforcement officers fought to defend the building and its occupants.