Statement Condemning the Attack on In Washington, D.C.

On November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were ambushed near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. They were newly sworn in to help keep our capital safe. We must unequivocally condemn this violent attack. Our National Guard members dedicate themselves to protecting and serving our communities. To see these brave individuals targeted in such a calculated manner is heartbreaking and unacceptable. My thoughts are with the families of Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe and with their fellow Guardsmen, who continue to serve under difficult circumstances.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the men and women who wear the uniform. Violence must never be the answer to grievances. Instead, we should strive to build communities where peace, respect, and gratitude for service prevail.

Statement on the Right's Embracing of Cancel Culture

In recent days, I’ve seen some Republican activists calling the employers of people who’ve made vile comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. That approach should be rejected by anyone who values free speech.

This is cancel culture 2.0, except this time it is coming from the Right. As principled defenders of free speech, we should reject that approach and stand firm in our commitment to free expression. Free speech means protecting even speech we find offensive, because the alternative is a culture where every side takes turns trying to destroy one another’s livelihoods. That only deepens division and silences open debate.

My heart and prayers remain with Charlie’s family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he impacted through his work. I deeply respected his courage, his commitment to conservative principles, and his belief in open dialogue. If we truly want to honor his life and legacy, we should continue to foster open dialogue rather than silence, persuasion rather than punishment.

I am committed to not engaging in cancel culture. Instead, I will continue to stand for open dialogue and free speech principles, while focusing accountability where it belongs: on elected officials and those seeking public office. Private citizens should not be targeted, even when we strongly disagree with them.

The way forward is not in silencing, but in persuasion. That is how we build a stronger, freer, and more united America.

Statement On the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

I am heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk has passed away following the shooting at Utah Valley University. My prayers are with his family, the students, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. No American should ever lose their life for speaking their mind. This was an act of political terrorism, pure and simple, and it must be condemned without hesitation.

We must stand united against violence in our politics and recommit ourselves to the values of free speech, peace, and civility. May God comfort all who are grieving in this dark moment.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)