[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 103 (Monday, June 16, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NATIONAL PROTESTS

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, second, I would like to take a moment and 
step back and share a quick word on the events of this weekend--the 
good and the bad alike.
  On one hand, this weekend we witnessed one of the largest peaceful 
demonstrations in American history. Nearly 5 million Americans took to 
the streets and made their voices heard against the rise of 
authoritarianism on our shores. I was proud to be one of them. We 
gathered in the streets. We gathered in front of State capitols. We 
gathered on beaches and at national parks and in cities and towns, big 
and small alike. For the most part, the demonstrations were peaceful. 
In some cities, there were acts of unlawful disruption, and those who 
broke the law should be held accountable. I have always been clear that 
the right to free speech is fundamental but must be exercised 
peacefully.
  But, again, for the most part, the millions who marched this weekend 
did so peacefully. In many cities, there wasn't a single incidence of 
lawbreaking. In fact, the demonstrations were much more than just 
simply peaceful; they were inspiring. After all the attacks we have 
seen this year against our institutions and our values, it is so 
comforting to know that the roots of democracy run deep in this 
country; and even though we may disagree fiercely, the marches remind 
us we can stand up for our country and our democracy while still 
keeping the peace.
  What happened in Minnesota, however, should be a warning. Political 
violence is not just on the rise in America; it is becoming all too 
normal, and it falls on all of us to stop it. When lawmakers are shot 
in their own homes, when a Governor's mansion is set ablaze, when the 
spouse of a Speaker of the House is nearly beaten to death, when a 
violent mob storms the U.S. Capitol, and when a gunman tries to 
assassinate the President of the United States, it is not enough to 
just condemn these acts and move on. We need to recognize something 
needs to change. Condemning violence is only the first step--
necessary--but a first step. We must all work together to address 
violence's root causes. We must take a serious look at the toxic forces 
that are radicalizing too many Americans into embracing violence.
  Most of all, when violence strikes, the answer is for us to come 
together regardless of party. That is especially important for U.S. 
Senators. Sadly, we didn't see that this weekend. I wish I didn't have 
to say this, but I was deeply disappointed and sickened to see a Member 
of this Chamber use the tragedy in Minnesota to take cheap, political 
shots at the other side on social media and risk escalating a perilous 
moment. What the senior Senator from Utah posted after the shootings 
was reckless and beneath the dignity of his office. For a Senator to 
fan the flames of division with falsities while the killer was still on 
the loose is deeply irresponsible. He should take down his post 
immediately and apologize to the families of the victims.
  And this isn't even about politics. This is about simple human 
decency. Our divisions run deep, but we are still all Americans. We may 
disagree sometimes, many times, maybe most of the time, but we are 
still human beings. The victims this weekend--no matter what party they 
belonged to--still leave behind kids who now will never speak to their 
parents ever again.
  So I say to my colleagues: Now is the time to speak with moral 
clarity. Every single one of us must condemn political violence no 
matter where it comes from and work together to eradicate its root 
causes.
  We cannot be silent because silence only serves to enable more 
violence. And in the meantime, I will continue to work with Leader 
Thune, with the Capitol Police, the Sergeant at Arms, and all of my 
colleagues to ensure the safety of every Senator and our staffs.
  This is a dark moment for America, but I believe firmly in my bones 
we will endure.

                          ____________________