Statement on Shooting at Trump Rally

Like most Americans of my generation, I remember where I was on November 22, 1963, when I heard the news that President John F. Kennedy had been killed in Dallas, Texas. I felt the tension, the suspicion, the fear between neighbors five years later when, as a teenager, I first learned Martin Luther King, Jr. had been assassinated. And I experienced the cascading shock when just two months later, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was shot dead as he addressed supporters in Los Angeles.

Described by journalist Ari Shapiro as the “dis-United States,” America in the 1960s was characterized by accelerating social upheaval, deep ideological divides, and resulting political violence. But with the actions of many courageous and principled leaders, the persistent engagement of individual citizens, and a democratic system admired the world over, the 1960s inspired a generation of enormous progress. We emerged a better, stronger, more united United States.

Sadly, the warning signs of new peril have become more visible in recent years. Political rhetoric has heightened tensions rather than inspiring collective action. Rising economic inequality has left millions struggling while others gain unimaginable wealth. Solutions to basic problems seem out of reach. Anxiety morphs into anger. Faith in democracy erodes.

Nevertheless, I have held steadfast in my faith that Americans would heed their “better angels,” in Abraham Lincoln’s words. I never imagined myself again watching a bullet streak toward an American president or candidate.

Let me be clear: The RBF unequivocally condemns the brutal and senseless attack on former President Trump’s campaign rally on Saturday. We are relieved the former president avoided serious injury. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who were injured and to the family and friends of Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter killed in the assault.

Community is the only antidote to the deep divisions again threatening our democracy. No matter who wins in November, it is unlikely to change how Americans feel about their country and each other.

Because democracy is more than politics and elections, institutions and laws. It is a culture of shared purpose founded on trust in our neighbors. That trust has eroded due to years of underinvestment in communities, zero-sum politics, the spread of mis- and disinformation, and citizen disengagement. We cannot let it be erased altogether by acts of political violence. 

This dangerous escalation dealt another blow to our democracy, but I retain my faith. I still believe Americans can find common ground to rebuild a democratic culture in which all of us can participate and thrive. It is up to us to create the democracy we need for these challenging times.