Butler County, OH —The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a reprehensible act that threatens all of us. While Mr. Kirk himself often used words that marginalized and attacked others, no one benefits from violence. In times like these, our nation, and our community here in Butler County, should come together in compassion, empathy, and a renewed commitment to our democratic values. Our priority is protecting our neighbors, fostering safety, and responding with care and resolve rather than fear.
Such a senseless act understandably evokes feelings of shock, grief, and anger. However, Butler County Republican Chair Todd Hall’s recent statement to the Republican Party transforms that grief into a divisive rallying cry. Mr. Hall wrote: “The political left is coming at us with an unparalleled hatred” and “The political left is out to ruin this country.” This framing demonizes neighbors, coworkers, and fellow citizens simply because of their political affiliation.
History shows that when leaders describe their opponents as evil, un-American, or existential threats, they stoke fear and resentment that can spill over into real-world violence. The chair’s email urged supporters to “fight like hell” and to “dig down deeper and fight back harder than ever before.” While these words may be intended figuratively, they land literally with individuals already immersed in conspiracy theories and misinformation. Inflammatory speech like this can become a spark for more tragedy, including right here at home.
This pattern is seen nationally, with figures like President Trump, blaming Democrats or “the left” for every social ill, creating a dangerous feedback loop in which violence is excused as self-defense against imagined enemies. We have seen how quickly such framing can radicalize individuals, turning political disagreement into dehumanization and, sometimes, bloodshed. We cannot let that cycle take hold in our community.
In moments of crises, leaders have a responsibility to de-escalate tensions, not inflame them. We should unequivocally condemn political violence from all ends of the spectrum and firmly reject rhetoric that paints entire groups of Americans as enemies. Leaders should model civil disagreement and respect, showing that it’s possible to oppose policies & ideas without vilifying people.
As Democratic Chair, I am calling on Butler County leaders to commit to nonviolent language and to refuse to demonize those with whom we disagree. Our words must reflect our shared humanity, not our divisions. We can start with a bipartisan statement condemning political violence and reaffirming our commitment to democracy and peaceful disagreement.
We can respond to this tragedy without letting it deepen divisions. By rejecting political violence, standing against dehumanizing rhetoric, and protecting our community, we reaffirm the values that make Butler County strong.
Kathy Wyenandt
Chair, Butler County Democratic Party