RSC Members Hold Press Conference Calling for Reduced Political Rhetoric on Anniversary of Trump Assassination Attempt

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Republican Study Committee (RSC held a press conference led by Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Chairman of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, calling for a cooling of political rhetoric across the country following the one-year anniversary of the Butler, Pennsylvania attack. 

The press conference, featuring two dozen RSC members, addressed the escalating pattern of violence targeting political figures and emphasized the urgent need for Americans to lower the temperature of political discourse. Among the speakers were two members of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump, who brought their investigative findings to the discussion about preventing future violence against public officials and ensuring accountability for the security failures that occurred in Butler on July 13, 2024. 

Members called on Americans to come together and reject political violence in all its forms:

“On Sunday, as we marked one year since the attempted assassination of President Trump, I returned to the Butler Farm Show grounds where I met with the Comperatore family during a celebration of Corey’s life. They are incredibly strong, and I continue to send our thoughts and prayers to them as we seek more answers about what happened that day. These events of July 13 and others like them throughout the last year are reminders that we must unite around the common good of these United States. We are stronger together,”  said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16).

"I was in Butler that day. I saw President Trump go down, and I saw him rise again with strength that lifted not only the crowd, but the entire country. But what led to that moment can’t be ignored. The rhetoric in our politics has become toxic—dangerous even. When elected officials and activists encourage hate speech and spread blatant falsehoods, it fuels division and invites violence. This resolution is about more than marking an anniversary—it’s about standing up for civil discourse, condemning those who incite violence, and making clear that this kind of behavior has no place in our politics," said Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-09).

“As a member of the bipartisan Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of President Trump, I joined my colleagues to get answers for the American people - on how this could happen — and what we must do to ensure it never happens again. We must take the rising threat of political violence seriously. Threats and attacks — whether against the President, a judge, a governor, a member of Congress, or ICE agents — are unacceptable. To those who seek to commit these acts of violence: know this — the full force of federal law enforcement will work to find you, to stop you, and to hold you accountable under the law,“ said Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15).

“One year ago, the nation watched in horror as an assassin tried to take President Trump’s life at a peaceful rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. By the grace of God, he survived, but Corey Comperatore did not. We mourn Corey, we pray for his family, and we remember every victim affected by that senseless act of political violence. This tragedy was a wake-up call. The toxic political climate in our country has consequences—deadly ones. Whether it’s threats against members of Congress, violent rhetoric online, or media outlets fueling division, we must say: enough is enough. Political disagreement should never lead to violence,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

"By God’s grace, President Trump survived the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania—and today, he stands in the White House, leading the revival of our nation. The man they tried to silence is now ushering in America’s Golden Age, and we must unite to reject political violence in all its forms,” said Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26).

“What happened in Butler, PA one year ago is the direct consequence of Democrat rhetoric that has fueled lawlessness and violence across our country. The Defund the Police movement, Kamala Harris paying the bail of violent protestors, and Obama waging war against conservative groups created an environment that left us just millimeters away from losing our president that day. Until Democrats stop their assault against law and order and denounce their violent supporters, these attacks will continue to wreak havoc on our country. I thank the Lord for protecting President Trump and I pray that we get back to the foundations of this country,” said Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10).

“One year ago, a violent and deranged terrorist set out to change the course of American history by attempting to assassinate President Trump. Let me be clear, political violence has no place in our country and evil will not prevail. As one nation under God, we will honor the victims of that fateful day by restoring an American legacy that will make future generations proud. We must continue to seize the opportunity we have been given to Make America Great Again,” said Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25).

“From the unthinkable assassination attempt against President Trump one year ago to the nationwide rise in antisemitism and attacks against ICE officers, the time is now to come together as a nation and end political violence. There is more that unites us as Americans than divides us, and we must reject political violence and extremism in all its forms,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01).

"The attack on President Trump in Butler was an attack on our democracy and a tragic reminder of where unchecked political hatred can lead. As we mark one year since that horrific day, I join my colleagues in calling for a serious effort to lower the temperature in our national discourse. I commend Chairman Kelly and the Task Force for their work to ensure accountability and prevent future violence. We must never allow this kind of attack to happen again,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).

“To return to civil political discourse in this country we must start viewing the other side as Americans, not adversaries. Representatives should not be forced to fear for their lives when speaking on behalf of their constituents. We must revert back to the truth-seeking political dialogues of the past instead of continuing the hate-charged Twitter wars of today,” said Rep. Marlin Stutzman (IN-03). 

“One year ago, we witnessed the consequences of years of reckless, dehumanizing rhetoric that has been directed at President Trump by his opposition,” said Congressman McDowell. “In the wake of the attempted assassination, the American people responded loud and clear in support of an America First agenda. No one should fuel violence, cooler heads must prevail, and criminals must be held accountable,” said Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06).

“There is absolutely no place for the politically-motivated violence we have seen inflicted upon President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, against lawmakers in Minnesota, or against Congressman Max Miller in Ohio. The United States is a Nation built on a foundation of freedom, the rule of law, and democracy. Any differences of opinion must be taken up in the polls or spirited debate, not in violent actions or vigilantism in our streets,” said Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02).

The press conference featured Rep. Mike Kelly, Rep. Dan Meuser, Rep. Laurel Lee, Rep. MTG, Rep. Roger Williams, Rep. Brandon Gill, Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Rep. Mike Collins, Rep. Max Miller, Rep. Addison McDowell, Rep. Diana Harshbarger, Rep. Mark Harris, Rep. Claudia Tenney, Rep. Buddy Carter, Rep. Riley Moore, Rep. Pat Harrigan, and Rep. Dave Taylor.