Pramila Jayapal, a veteran Democratic congresswoman from the state of Washington, has caused a flurry of media controversy recently. This came on the heels of an op-ed piece published by Republican Arizona State Representative John Gillette. The firestorm started when a short video of Jayapal’s speech from her YouTube channel, “The Resistance Lab,” went viral. As shown in this video, Jayapal is rallying street protests against the Trump administration. She makes clear her profound, prophetic worry with the disturbing increase in political violence throughout this country.
The piece, released back in March, calls on non-violent protest to be the form of resistance. Jayapal directly defends the right to protest peacefully, but she deeply discerns the rising menace of political violence across this country. To that end, Gillette responded to the video with a reply on X (formerly Twitter) that suggested Jayapal should be executed. His statement has received widespread attention and outrage, underlining just how fraught the state of political discourse in our country has become.
The move is particularly rich considering John Gillette has repeatedly defended those who played a part in the January 6th insurrection. This discussion calls into question his judgment and the meaning behind his last statement. The Arizona Mirror was first to report Gillette’s incendiary comment, a troubling new low in a growing escalation of rhetoric from certain Republican legislators.
“Until people like this, that advocate for the overthrow of the American government are tried, convicted and hanged … it will continue.” – John Gillette
Jayapal’s video is a wonderful call to civic engagement, thoughtful and constructive civic engagement, by peaceful means. It’s not asking for the violent overthrow of the U.S. federal government. Her message is in stark relief to Gillette’s response. This distinction, though, points to a particularly pernicious current in some Republican circles that are pushing to criminalize protests and speech against the Trump administration.
This horrible incident is an unfortunate reminder of a dangerous new political atmosphere and the importance of civil discourse in times of deep disagreement. As leaders like Jayapal work to foster peace and understanding, others seem hellbent on stirring up violence and division.