WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is urging voters to reject violence as a means of political expression during this year’s campaign cycle. 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 denouncing violence and criticized former President Donald Trump for his rhetoric.
Tyler emphasized that political violence has no place in the United States and should not be tolerated. He expressed dismay at the normalization of violent discourse in today’s political landscape, highlighting Trump’s divisive language and actions. The Trump campaign has been accused of recycling themes that incited the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, endangering the democratic process.
The press conference held in Washington, D.C., condemned Trump’s recent social media post depicting Biden in a derogatory manner. The participants stressed the need for accountability and civility in political discourse, contrasting it with Trump’s inflammatory tactics. They also criticized Trump for failing to denounce the violence that occurred on January 6, 2021, and instead promoting individuals involved in the attack as “patriots.”
Gonell called out Trump for his lack of support for law enforcement and his disregard for the well-being of officers injured during the Capitol attack. He warned against the dangers of Trump’s rhetoric and urged Americans to consider the implications of electing a leader who condones political violence. Hodges echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact of Trump’s lies about the 2020 election on the January 6 violence.
The officers at the press conference emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and defending the Constitution, criticizing Trump and his supporters for prioritizing power over principles. They highlighted the need for accountability for those who incited and participated in the Capitol attack, underscoring the consequences of political violence on democracy. The discussion also addressed the deaths of officers Brian Sicknick and Jeffrey Smith during the attack, emphasizing the sacrifice made by law enforcement in protecting the Capitol.