Legal Defense Fund calls on federal leaders to condemn violence against public officials

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is urging Congress and the Trump administration to denounce a surge in political violence targeting elected officials, warning the escalation threatens the nation’s democratic stability.

Civil rights organization cites rising political violence as lawmakers face new threats

The call comes as two members of Congress — Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost of Florida — face renewed national concern after recent attacks in separate incidents.

LDF Warns of “Profoundly Alarming Escalation”

In a statement, LDF President and Director‑Counsel Janai Nelson said the country is witnessing a dangerous rise in political violence. She described the trend as a direct threat to public p and the democratic institutions they represent.

“In this moment, we are all witnesses to a profoundly alarming escalation of violence and hatred,” Nelson said.

“From horrific assassinations of elected officials to attacks like the one against Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar that occurred just last night at a town hall, this spate of political violence is unconscionable — and it must stop.”

Nelson said the pattern reflects a climate of hostility that places elected officials at risk as they carry out their duties.

Recent Attacks Intensify National Concerns

The LDF statement follows two high‑profile incidents that renewed attention on the safety of public officials.

Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked on Jan. 27. during a Minnesota town hall after a man rushed toward her while shouting and threw a substance on her. Attendees intervened, and the incident prompted renewed debate about the frequency of threats directed at lawmakers.

Last week, on Jan. 23, Rep. Maxwell Frost was assaulted at a public event for Sundance Festival in Florida. Authorities said a man approached him during a community gathering and struck him before being detained. Frost later said the attack reflected a broader climate of hostility toward public officials.

Both incidents drew bipartisan condemnation and highlighted the growing number of threats reported to the U.S. Capitol Police in recent years.

Call for Immediate Federal Response

Nelson urged Congress and the Trump administration to issue a clear and unified denunciation of the violence. She said the nation cannot claim to uphold democratic values if elected officials fear intimidation or physical harm.

“The Trump administration and Congress must immediately denounce this brutality. Make clear that assaults against sitting members of Congress and any elected officials fly in the face of the founding promise of a free and democratic America,” she said.

“We cannot profess to be a nation grounded in the rule of law if our elected officials live in fear of physical attacks intended to threaten, intimidate, or silence them.”

Warning Against Inciteful Rhetoric

Nelson also called on national leaders to reject rhetoric that fuels division or encourages hostility. She said language that dehumanizes public officials can escalate tensions and contribute to real‑world violence.

“There is never a place for violence in our political system — and we must not let these attempts to undermine our democratic foundation win,” she said. “Nor can we abide inciteful rhetoric that dehumanizes and invites political violence and hate crimes. It is the duty of this country’s leadership to vehemently condemn this violence and foster an environment where elected officials feel safe to carry out their critical duties.”