Democrats Condemn Political Violence, Call for End to Vitriol

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Iowa Democratic candidates gathered at the Polk County Democrats' Steak Fry to condemn the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and call for an end to political violence. The event, held on September 13, 2025, featured speeches from Democratic candidates for Iowa's U.S. Senate and congressional districts, as well as a keynote address by Senator Van Hollen.

Senator Van Hollen spoke about the importance of peaceful activism and criticized President Trump's response to the killing, stating that the president is "using this moment not to unite America against political violence, but to engage in finger pointing." Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart echoed Van Hollen's sentiments, emphasizing the need for politicians to take steps to prevent future threats of violence. "We don't have to look very far to see other examples of violence that has occurred because of political leanings," she said.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Iowa Democratic candidates condemned the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and called for an end to political violence.
  • Senator Van Hollen criticized President Trump's response to the killing, stating that the president is using the moment to promote division instead of unity.
  • Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart emphasized the need for politicians to take steps to prevent future threats of violence.
  • The event featured speeches from Democratic candidates for Iowa's U.S. Senate and congressional districts, including Jackie Norris, who spoke about the importance of toning down rhetoric while respecting differing views.
  • Senator Van Hollen also criticized New York Democrats for not supporting Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, stating that "that kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of."
  • Van Hollen praised his efforts to advocate for Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was erroneously deported to El Salvador and held in the country's megaprison.
  • The event highlighted the importance of standing up for constitutional rights, even if it means speaking out against unpopular topics.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Iowans have made controversial social media posts about the killing, sparking criticism from Republicans and others.
  • 75% of Americans believe in the principle of due process, including the right to a fair trial by a court of law.
  • 90% of Americans support the idea that no one in the United States should be disappeared by the state without a chance to appear before a court of law.

Sources:

  • Iowa Capital Dispatch, September 13, 2025
  • Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch (Photo credit)
  • Des Moines Register, September 11, 2025
  • Maryland Matters, April 18, 2025
  • AP News, (no date)