Broken System, Broken Silence: Why Political Violence Must Be Condemned Now

Let’s not sugarcoat it—America is in a dangerous place. Over the last several years, we’ve watched politics devolve from debate to bloodsport. And now, with the attempted assassination of elected officials making headlines, we have to say what many won’t: this isn’t just passionate disagreement. It’s a sickness in the system.

As someone who’s worked to challenge the power players in healthcare, insurance, and broken government systems here in Louisiana, I’ve seen just how hard people fight to preserve the status quo. I’ve authored bills like HB 264 to crack down on shady pharmacy benefit managers, and HB 317 to finally hold hospital owners accountable when they run their facilities into the ground and abandon patients. These reforms are shaking the system—and that makes some people very uncomfortable.

But discomfort is no excuse for violence. And make no mistake, a portion of the political left has not only tolerated extreme rhetoric—they’ve fueled it. Whether it’s reckless language from activist circles or partisan media feeding outrage for clicks, we’ve created a powder keg where public servants are now treated as targets.

It has to stop. We need real leadership, not performative politics.

If we’re serious about ending this cycle, we need to start at the source:

• Hold people accountable for violent threats, online or otherwise. Free speech is sacred, but criminal intimidation is not.
• Demand responsible rhetoric from our leaders. You can disagree with someone’s policies without calling them a monster.
• Stop glorifying chaos. Mob rule is not activism. It’s an attack on civil society.
• Return to public service as a calling, not a cage match.

In Louisiana, we’re doing the hard work—real reform that challenges deep-pocketed interests and brings transparency back to government. That’s uncomfortable, and it’s supposed to be. But what we cannot tolerate is a political climate so broken that people believe violence is a legitimate form of protest or persuasion.

If you’re angry, get involved. Run for office. Write legislation. Call your representative. But don’t let rage become radicalization.

I didn’t come to Baton Rouge to be liked by lobbyists or protected by the political elite. I came to fix what’s broken. And I won’t be intimidated into silence.

America is worth saving. But we can’t do that if we’re burying our leaders and pretending it’s just part of the process. Political violence isn’t patriotism—it’s terrorism. And it’s time we treat it that way.

Let’s get back to real debate, real accountability, and real reform. The country can’t afford anything less.